Morgan Wallen surprised his fans on New Year’s Eve by releasing a new song.

The country superstar released the track “Smile” and an accompanying music video in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Why it matters

Wallen is currently one of the biggest musicians in the US and his song “Last Night” topped the music charts in 2023.

He was also plagued by headlines about his arrest in Nashville in April for throwing a chair from a bar balcony. Wallen was sentenced to two years’ probation for his actions this month after pleading guilty to all counts.

The singer has been at the center of numerous controversies over the years, most recently in July during a performance in Denver, Colorado. While he was performing his song “Cowgirls,” a fan threw his phone onto the stage, hitting Wallen in the shoulder. Fan footage of the incident released by TMZshowed him visibly frustrated as he threw the phone off the stage.

What you should know

The song “Smile” was posted on Wallen’s social media accounts with a simple caption telling fans that it was “out now.”

It is a slow love song and continues the theme of introspection in his other songs such as “Lies Lies Lies” and “Love Somebody”.

According to Wallen’s record label, “Smile, “shows the narrator navigating life’s little moments and longings” and “shows a relationship as we see it today through filtered snapshots,” per Just Jared.

The video was shot in a short film format directed by Justin Clough. It begins with Wallen behind the scenes of a fictional late-night talk show on New Year’s Eve. Before he takes the stage, he looks sadly back at a woman sitting in his dressing room.

The host announces that Wallen will be playing “Love Somebody,” but before he begins to sing, the musician turns to his band and they begin playing “Smile,” to the shock of the producers.

When Wallen returns to his dressing room, the woman is gone and he slumps sullenly into his chair.

What people say

Fans reacted to Wallen’s Instagram post with joy at the surprise song.

“Oh my god I’m crying I’m so excited 👏👏👏👏👏👏,” @officiallychellsy wrote in the comments.

“Always a good day when I see you release a new song!” added @dasia.brooklyn21.

“I love it!! Thank you for this beautiful gift before the New Year!!!” commented @humakarim.

“Damn hot. Should have come with a warning 🤣🤣 best surprise ever!” posted @hariet.hett.

What’s next?

Wallen has not announced whether the song will be followed by an album or a tour.

Newsweek contacted Wallen’s representative via email Tuesday seeking comment.