Hayes took risks on road to Grammys

BY Associated Press
Friday, February 01, 2013
2/01/13 at 5:00 AM

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Being nominated for three Grammy Awards has only emboldened Hunter Hayes to take chances.

Hayes played every instrument on his self-titled debut album, something he called an "intimidating experiment" in a town full of legendary hired hands. He also went hard against the current trends in country music in another way, pursuing his interest in pop influences when most of his male counterparts are riffin' on rock 'n' roll.

"In the name of experimenting and being adventurous and trying new things, I think it's important for me to keep doing that and I think it's important to challenge myself in those ways," Hayes said.

The 21-year-old Louisiana native is up for the all-genre best new artist award, best country solo performance and best country album at the Feb. 10 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. The nominations punctuate a rapid period of growth for Hayes in the 18 months since he released that album.

He scored his first No. 1 with "Wanted," becoming the youngest solo male country performer to top the chart. And he began to play in front of larger crowds on tour with several established stars, including Carrie Underwood - a onetime best new artist herself.

Underwood says she voted for Hayes in the category because his talent is undeniable.

"He's not just a singer, he's not just a cutie-pie, which he is," Underwood said.

"He's adorable, but it's not just that. He's really talented. He's a really great vocalist and he plays everything on his album, which I think is something he doesn't get enough credit for. He's a great guy, too, and he's a hard worker. I've seen all the stuff he's running and out and doing all over the place and he wants it bad."

Associated Images:

Hayes