This one's for ... Luke Combs. Because after an incredible year, the 28-year-old country singer/songwriter is taking home the iHeartRadio Music Award for Best New Country Artist!
The competition in this category was extremely tough, having been nominated alongside several other rising country stars including Brett Young, Jon Pardi, Kane Brown, and Lauren Alaina.
In his acceptance speech, Luke thanked everyone he's worked with and explained of his win:
"I just want to say thank you for voting me iHeart’s Best New Country Artist. Thanks to everybody at country radio, Bobby Bones for helping me out with the On The Verge program. It really changed everything for me, and I can’t believe that I’m here right now. Thanks to my management team, label, friends, family, all my road guys. I can’t believe I’m here."
Over the last year, Luke went on tour with country superstar Brantley Gilbert, and released his debut full-length album This One's For You on June 2nd via Columbia Nashville. The album features 12 new songs including the title track "This One's For You," and songs like "Out There," "Memories Are Made Of," "Beer Can," "Hurricane," and "One Number Away."
This One's For You debuted in the top five on the Billboard 200, as well as debuted No. 1 on the Top Country Albums chart, and also became certified Gold. Additionally, the album's lead single, "Hurricane," reached No. 1 on Country Airplay.
Back in June 2017, Luke told iHeartRadio exclusively of his album, "Releasing the first album has obviously been a lot of work up until this point. I started recording this thing over a year ago now, and so it's been quite a long journey getting to this point. But, I'm really ready for everybody to hear it."
Luke is also up for Country Song of the Year for his hit “Hurricane.” Also nominated in this category is Sam Hunt’s “Body Like A Back Road,” Jon Pardi’s “Dirty On My Boots,” Dustin Lynch’s “Small Town Boy,” and Thomas Rhett’s “Unforgettable.”
Fans can tune in to the 2018 iHeartRadio Music Awards on March 11th, live on TBS, TNT and truTV at 8pm ET/5pm PT, as well as on iHeartMedia radio stations across the country and on the iHeartRadio app. Hosted by Hailey Baldwin and DJ Khaled, the show will feature live performances from Ed Sheeran, Eminem featuring Kehlani, Cardi B, Bon Jovi, Maroon 5, Camila Cabello, Charlie Puth, and N.E.R.D and G-Eazy. And during the show, Taylor Swift will debut her new music video for her latest reputation single "Delicate." This is one awards show you will NOT want to miss!
Congratulations to Luke!