Blending heartbreak & hooks like a whiskey-soaked diary—Ernie Z is the next country hitmaker America didn’t know it needed.
You decide who will win $50,000, appear in Rolling Stone, and perform at the Global Citizen Festival!
Who will perform at the Global Citizen Festival, appear in Rolling Stone, and take home $50,000?
Who or what is your musical inspiration?
My musical inspiration comes from artists who blend emotion with storytelling—like Drake’s vulnerability, J. Cole’s wisdom, Brent Faiyaz’s raw honesty, and Lil Wayne’s wordplay. I’m drawn to music that feels cinematic, where every bar hits like a scene in a movie. I want my sound to be timeless, relatable, and real—something that lives in people’s memories long after the song ends.
How would performing at the Global Citizen Festival impact your career?
Performing at the Global Citizen Festival would be a game-changer—it’s a global stage where passion meets purpose. Sharing my music there means reaching millions, proving I belong on the world’s biggest platforms. It’s not just exposure; it’s alignment with something bigger than music. This moment could elevate my career from rising talent to global voice, building momentum, impact, and legacy all at once.
What would you do with $50,000?
With the $50,000 prize, I’d first pay off my debt to clear space for growth. Then I’d invest in my music—building a home studio, funding visuals, marketing, and touring. I’d also support youth music programs in underserved communities, helping the next generation find their voice. Every dollar would go toward elevating my art, expanding my reach, and turning this moment into a foundation for long-term impact—for myself and for others.
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Help Ernie Z become America's Next Top Hitmaker while supporting a great cause! Cast your daily vote below, or make even more of an impact when you vote by donation supporting Global Citizen in their mission to end extreme poverty now.
You decide who will appear in Rolling Stone, win $50,000, and perform at the Global Citizen Festival in NYC.
Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like America’s Next Top Hitmaker, Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact.
