Like many rising country performers, Jordan Davis counts Rascal Flatts as a major influence -- but he's trying to downplay his fandom while opening for the trio during their 2019 Summer Playlist Tour.

"Yes, I'm a massive Rascal Flatts fan. I don't tell them that, because I know that they probably don't like hearing that," Davis says with laugh. "But I just gotta tell 'em, 'I'm a big fan. Thank you for having me out on tour.' It's pretty wild."

Unlike Dan + Shay, who ribbed Rascal Flatts for being "like grandfathers to us" during their stint as openers on the trio's 2018 Back to Us Tour (quote via Sounds Like Nashville), Davis politely avoids poking fun at the headliners' ages. That doesn't mean he doesn't revere their extensive career, however.

"I looked the other day, and their first single came out in 2000," he points out. "Here it is, 2019, and they're still packing out amphitheaters of 15,000, 20,000 people. Still, every night, we sit sidestage and watch their show, and it's unreal."

Plus, Davis adds, they're good road companions to boot. "They're hilarious ... They're incredible entertainers, [and] super nice guys," he shares.

Davis is one of a large roster of talented artists, from up-and-comers to established acts, joining Rascal Flatts on their Summer Playlist Tour. Lee Brice, LoCash, Billy Currington, Morgan Evans and Jimmie Allen are all opening various shows on the trek, which will stretch on through the fall and wrap on Nov. 1 in British Columbia, Canada.

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