Sam Hunt Hosts Late Night ‘House Party’ at Ryman Auditorium

Sam Hunt brought his “House Party” to Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium Tuesday night with a private show for attendees of the 2016 Country Radio Seminar (CRS).

Hunt took the stage just before 10:30 pm donning his signature flat bill and singing “Raised On It.” The crowd went wild and immediately started dancing and singing along to every word.

Hunt went on to play hit after hit from his debut album, Montevallo, including chart-toppers like “Take Your Time” and “Leave The Night On.” He also performed his own versions of songs he had written, but were made popular by other artists, including “Cop Car” (Keith Urban) and “We Are Tonight” (Billy Currington).

One of the highlights of the evening was a surprise appearance by Charles Kelley, who joined Hunt (his former Lady Antebellum tour mate) in singing a medley of hits made popular by iconic female entertainers like Reba, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and Deana Carter. The pair cut loose and shared several laughs together as they sang.

Later in the show, Universal Music Nashville’s Chairman and CEO Mike Dungan joined Hunt on stage to surprise him with a plaque commemorating the Double Platinum status of Montevallo. As Duncan read off the incredible accomplishments Hunt as achieved in the past year, Hunt looked on bashfully and politely accepted the honor.

The best moment of the night came when Hunt tipped his hat to the great Waylon Jennings with a stunning cover of “Belle of the Ball.” Hunt’s music may not have a traditional country sound, but it’s great to know that he understands and appreciates where the roots  of the genre.

After cranking it back up with “House Party,” the Georgia native closed his energetic live show with a fiery performance of his current single, “Break Up In A Small Town.”

Performing to a crowd full of industry professionals isn’t always the easiest, but Hunt did so with ease and proved why he’s one of the best new artists in the format.

Next, Hunt will pack his bags and head to Los Angeles for “Music’s Biggest Night” where he’ll perform “Heartbeat” alongside Carrie Underwood on the 58th Annual GRAMMY Awards. He may even take home a trophy or two; he’s currently nominated for Best New Artist and Best Country Album for Montevallo.