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Elizabeth Nichols Lights Up Two Step Inn Day 1

By Larry Philpot on May 4, 2026

Elizabeth Nichols stepped onto the Pony Up stage at noon on a sunny April 18 in Georgetown, Texas, and right away it felt like the festival had found its perfect opener. With her sharp, conversational songwriting and that sweet Kentucky drawl, she delivered a set that mixed heartfelt storytelling with just the right touch of wit—exactly the kind of modern country that feels fresh without losing its roots. In a scene crowded with big voices and bigger productions, Nichols stands out for keeping things real, turning everyday observations into songs that land like a chat with an old friend. This is my third time seeing her, and she’s a sweetheart.

Elizabeth Nichols performs at Day 1 of the Two Step Inn Festival, Georgetown Texas on April 18, 2026. (Photo Credit and copyright: Larry Philpot/SoundstagePhotography.com)

A Quick Look at Her Journey So Far

The 23-year-old Texas-born, Kentucky-raised singer-songwriter first grabbed national attention in late 2024 with her breakout single “I Got a New One.” Kelly Clarkson’s playful cover on her show sent the track soaring, pushing it to the top of the iTunes Country chart and earning Nichols millions of streams almost overnight. She followed it up with her first EP *Tough Love* in June 2025, a seven-track collection full of clever lyrics about love, small-town life, and the messy realities in between. Fans already know favorites like “Mama” and “Ain’t Country,” and she’s checked off bucket-list moments including her Grand Ole Opry debut and opening slots for Wyatt Flores, Little Big Town, and Russell Dickerson.

Elizabeth Nichols and Her Live Band

Elizabeth Nichols – Lead Vocals

(Nichols performs as a solo singer-songwriter with a supporting live band for festival dates; no long-term established lineup changes have been reported as she continues building her touring group.)

Her Set on the Pony Up Stage

Playing the emerging-artist Pony Up stage at Two Step Inn’s Day 1, Nichols had the early crowd fully engaged from the jump. She leaned into material from *Tough Love* and recent singles, keeping the energy upbeat and interactive. Fans got singalongs on a couple of well-chosen covers, and she delivered “Oh The Things Men Do” with the cheeky edge that’s become her trademark.

Later in the afternoon, before the weather turned, Nichols was to join Kaitlin Butts, but Kaitlin’s set was cut before she finished her first song.

Most Likely Setlist (full official setlist not published; drawn from her recent shows and confirmed performances at the festival):

I Got a New One
Oh The Things Men Do
Mama
Ain’t Country
Trailer Treasure
Little Birds (and select covers for singalongs)

Why You Should Catch Her Next Time

Two Step Inn, held at the scenic San Gabriel Park in Georgetown, Texas—just a short drive north of Austin—continues to carve out its spot as a welcoming two-day country and roots gathering. With its three stages (Pony Up for rising talent like Nichols, Showdeo for mid-tier favorites, and Big River for the headliners), plus local food vendors and that classic honky-tonk vibe, it’s the kind of event that feels more like a big backyard party than a massive production. Day 1 started strong before afternoon storms forced cancellations during Kaitlin Butts’ set, but Nichols’ early performance proved the festival’s emerging-artist slot is worth arriving on time for.

If clever lyrics and an unpretentious stage presence are your thing, keep an eye out for Elizabeth Nichols.