Bailey Zimmerman’s Stagecoach set didn’t unfold the way he expected, and he later reflected on how his father’s guidance about staying confident helped him through the experience.

Zimmerman teamed up with American Eagle for the brand’s “Jeans Country” campaign.

Bailey Zimmerman’s Stagecoach set didn’t go exactly as planned, but he still found ways to deliver a strong performance.

The “Rock and a Hard Place” artist performed at the Indio, California country festival on April 24, where he originally intended to use pyrotechnics. However, strong winds forced those plans to be scrapped.

“The wind was honestly the biggest challenge this year,” Zimmerman, 26, told PEOPLE after the show. “We had some big pyro and flame moments planned, but we couldn’t use them. Still, the crowd didn’t care—the energy was incredible, and that’s what really matters.”

During his set, he performed early favorites like “Fall in Love” along with tracks from his album Different Night, Same Rodeo. He also led the crowd in a spirited singalong to Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb.”

Asked about his onstage confidence, Zimmerman—who also took part in American Eagle’s “Jeans Country” campaign—shared advice from his father.

“My dad always said, ‘Look good, feel good, play good,’ and I really believe that,” he said. “If I step on stage feeling good about how I look, everything else just falls into place.” He added that he felt especially confident performing in his custom American Eagle boxers.

Speaking about his collaboration with American Eagle, Zimmerman said he has long been a fan of the brand, recalling childhood shopping trips with his mother and strong personal memories tied to it. He also noted that the brand’s style fits him well, especially their boxers, which he even wore onstage at Stagecoach in 2024—making this year’s custom look feel like a “full-circle moment.”

When it comes to styling jeans, he prefers a more rugged approach, often distressing them with raw hems, patches, and accessories like a wallet chain.