If you’ve turned on a radio at any point in the last decade, you’ve heard his voice. It’s that unmistakable, slightly nasal, melodic drawl that defined a whole era of "bro-country." But with his face now plastered on solo album covers and headlining his own tours, people are genuinely asking: was Tyler Hubbard in Florida Georgia Line?
The short answer? Yes. He wasn't just in it; he was one-half of the most commercially successful country duo of the 2010s. Along with Brian Kelley, Hubbard took a small-town vibe and turned it into a diamond-certified global phenomenon.
But their story isn't just about hit songs. It’s a wild ride through Nashville's college scene, a record-breaking rise, and a "hiatus" that felt a lot like a breakup.
The Belmont Beginning: How It All Started
Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley didn’t meet in a boardroom. They met in 2007 at Belmont University in Nashville. They weren't even looking for a record deal at first; they were just two guys in a campus worship group who liked writing songs.
They basically lived the "starving artist" cliché for a while. After graduating in 2009, they gave themselves a two-year deadline to make it. They lived together, worked odd jobs to pay the rent, and played any club that would have them on the weekends.
It was a grind.
In 2010, they officially formed Florida Georgia Line—naming the group after their home states (Hubbard is from Georgia, Kelley is from Florida). Their first EP, Anything Like Me, was a total DIY project. They weren't stars yet. They were just two dudes in a van trying to get people to listen.
Everything changed at a county fair. Producer Joey Moi (the guy behind Nickelback’s massive sound) saw them perform. He didn't just see country singers; he saw a way to blend country lyrics with rock production and hip-hop cadences. That collaboration led to "Cruise," and honestly, the rest of the industry never looked the same.
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The "Cruise" Phenomenon and the Bro-Country Label
When "Cruise" dropped in 2012, it didn't just climb the charts. It exploded. It spent 24 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Then, they brought in Nelly for a remix, and suddenly they were crossing over to pop and hip-hop stations.
People called it "bro-country."
Critics hated the term. Some traditionalists in Nashville felt like Hubbard and Kelley were "ruining" the genre with songs about trucks, girls in denim shorts, and Fireball whiskey. But the fans? They couldn't get enough.
Key Hits Tyler Hubbard Fronted:
- "Cruise" – The first country song ever to be certified Diamond.
- "H.O.L.Y." – A massive ballad that showed they could do more than just party songs.
- "Meant to Be" – Their collaboration with Bebe Rexha that broke even more records, staying at #1 for 50 weeks.
- "Dirt" – A surprisingly deep track about life and legacy.
Hubbard was usually the lead vocalist, providing that signature "FGL sound." He was the one hitting the high notes and driving the energy during their massive arena tours.
Why Did the Duo Stop?
The "breakup" of Florida Georgia Line wasn't a sudden explosion. It was more of a slow fade. By 2020, rumors started flying. Fans noticed Hubbard and his wife, Hayley, unfollowed Kelley on Instagram during the election season.
While political differences were the easy thing to point to, the reality was more professional.
According to various interviews—including a revealing sit-down on the Bussin' With the Boys podcast—the tension started when Brian Kelley expressed interest in doing a solo project. Hubbard wasn't initially on board. He felt like they were in a "sweet spot" and should keep the FGL train rolling for another decade.
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Hubbard reportedly told Kelley, "I’m not willing to do Florida Georgia Line and then have a direct competitor that’s my partner doing the same exact thing." He set a boundary. If the duo wasn't the 100% focus, he didn't want to do it at all.
They played their final official show as a duo on August 31, 2022, at the Minnesota State Fair. Hubbard told the crowd it was their "last official concert." It was an emotional end to a twelve-year run that saw them win dozens of awards and sell millions of albums.
Tyler Hubbard’s Solo Shift
Transitions are hard. Hubbard has been open about the fact that he didn't necessarily plan on being a solo artist. He thought he might just write songs for other people like Jason Aldean or Kane Brown.
But the pandemic changed things.
Being stuck at home gave him time to reflect. He realized he had stories to tell that didn't fit the "duo" mold. In 2022, he released "5 Foot 9," a song dedicated to his wife. It hit #1. Then came "Dancin' In The Country," which also hit #1.
By the time he released his self-titled debut album in 2023, he had already proven he could stand on his own. He became the first country artist to launch two separate careers with four consecutive chart-topping singles (counting both FGL and his solo starts).
His newer music is still catchy, but it feels a bit more "grown-up." He sings about his kids, his faith, and his life as a 30-something dad. He’s traded some of the big pyro and "bro" anthems for a more stripped-back, personal vibe on his Strong tour.
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Will They Ever Get Back Together?
This is the million-dollar question.
Right now, they call it an "indefinite hiatus." In the music world, that’s often code for "we’re done for now, but maybe if the money is right in ten years, we’ll do a reunion tour."
Hubbard has said "never say never," but he also emphasizes that some serious healing and "long open conversations" would need to happen first. They are both busy. Kelley is doing his "Coastal Country" thing, and Hubbard is racking up solo hits.
Honestly, they’ve both moved on. They have their own bands, their own buses, and their own visions.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you’re looking to catch up on what Tyler Hubbard is doing now, or if you're feeling nostalgic for the FGL days, here’s how to navigate his current world:
- Listen to the "Strong" Album: This is Hubbard’s latest work. It’s the best way to hear how his sound has evolved since the duo days.
- Check Out "Park": It’s one of his recent hits that captures that same high-energy vibe he brought to Florida Georgia Line, but with a solo twist.
- Follow the Songwriting: Hubbard has over 200 songwriting credits. If you like his style, look up the songs he wrote for Jason Aldean (like "Burnin' It Down") or Chris Tomlin.
- Visit the Hall of Fame: If you're in Nashville, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum often has exhibits featuring FGL memorabilia, including Hubbard’s childhood saxophone and their racing suits from the "May We All" video.
Tyler Hubbard’s time in Florida Georgia Line was legendary. It changed the charts and the "sound" of modern country. While he's firmly a solo artist now, you can still hear the DNA of those FGL years in everything he does. He’s just a little older, a little wiser, and singing from a different perspective.