Sam Hunt used to watch the ACM Awards when he was growing up at home in Georgia. Now, he is able to attend the awards show live…AND he’s nominated for New Artist of the Year…AND he’s performing, as well. One of his favorite moments was when the Entertainer Award was handed out.

“I remember staying up and waiting for the Entertainer of the Year award. That was always a big moment that I would wait for as kind of the climatic moment of the show,” says Sam. “But just always enjoyed seeing all of the folks that I listened to on the radio, see them not in person, but see them perform live on TV, ‘cause I didn’t really get a chance to see a lot of those guys perform in concerts growing up. So, seeing ‘em on the ACM Awards was second best.”

Sam, who is poised to hit the top of the country charts with his single “Take Your Time,” is nominated for ACM New Artist of the Year (VoteACM.com). 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.