Sam Hunt was up against standout artists across all genres for Favorite New Artist at the 2015 American Music Awards, including the Weeknd, Walk the Moon and more, but pulled out a win to represent country music.

The rising country star was presented the award by host Jennifer Lopez and looked genuinely surprised and humbled to have won. Hunt first thanked the fans for his first-ever AMAs win, as the awards are fan-voted, then added “I’m proud to represent country music tonight."

“To all my people back in Nashville who have been there from the start, you put your faith in me," the singer said. "You were there for the long haul. We kind of threw our keys over the fence and never looked back."

Many fans are glad Hunt took that risk. His slightly left-of-center style has made him a huge force in country music, with three No. 1 singles on his debut album, Montevallo.

Hunt was also nominated for three CMA Awards this year.

The singer is in the beginning stages of working on new music for a new record and recently released the music video for his latest single “Break Up in a Small Town,” during which he says nearly caught fire when filming. He also dished to Taste of Country why he got rid of the epic beard he sports in the video, much to his female fans’ dismay.

See Sam Hunt's Sexiest Photos

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