Sam Hunt  is one of the three finalists for ACM New Artist of the Year, and the nomination is an honor that he didn’t think would come this early on in his career.

“Being nominated for ACM New Artist of the Year is a huge honor,” says the Georgia native. “I still really feel like too new to be New Artist of the Year, but so many good things have happened over the last several months to allow us to reach so many people. It’s phenomenal. It’s phenomenal to be a part of this awards show having just put out a record a few months ago.”

The “Take Your Time” singer is thrilled that his best friends – his band – are along for the ride of a lifetime. ““I’ve enjoyed being on the road and touring with some of my best friends in the world. We’re all doing this for the first time. So, all these things we’re experiencing are firsts for all of us, and that is really what makes it special for me is the fact that I’m able to do that, to do what I’m doing and enjoy a lot of these cool things that are happening with my best buddies.”

Fan voting for both New Artist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year categories for the ACM Awards opens today (Wednesday, April 8th) and closes April 19th, just prior to the start of the show at 8pm ET. The fan votes will be tallied with the votes from ACM members to determine the final winners. Go to VoteACM.com to place your vote. The 50th Annual ACM Awards, hosted by Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton, will be broadcast live from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas at 8pm ET on CBS.