Walker Hayes admits that the best part of attending last night’s Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards was that his wife, Laney Beville Hayes, was by his side.
“Honestly, I say this every time my wife and I get to do these together, but that’s what I’m looking forward to. Just hanging with her,” Hayes said on the red carpet ahead of the show.
The viral hitmaker then shared that the overall experience was a “surreal moment” for him and his wife as they feel like they finally “belong” in the country music community after years of feeling like they weren’t accepted.
”A lot of time we’ve attended events like this where we were trying to get in the door you know?” Hayes added. ”And we had a really great year and my team and my family and I are just like I said glad to belong.”
During the show, Hayes kicked off his performance singing his song, “AA” in the lounge area of Allegiant Stadium, high-fiving fans as he made his way down the steps and to the floor. While still trekking down the stairs and to the floor, Hayes transitioned to his GRAMMY-nominated hit, “Fancy Like,” which had fans up and dancing throughout the performance.
As Hayes made his way to the stadium floor, he also high-fived fellow artists like Carrie Underwood, Thomas Rhett, Kelsea Ballerini, and Morgan Evans before briefly saying “hi baby,” to his wife, Laney and walking onto the stage.
At the conclusion of his performance, Hayes walked back into the crowd, where he and his wife shared a sweet embrace.
Hayes posted a photo of the moment on his Instagram, saying it was his “favorite moment of the night,” later adding a crying emoji.
Hayes picked up three nominations at this year’s ACMs, including New Male Artist of the Year, Single of the Year (“Fancy Like”), and Song of the Year (“Fancy Like”). At the time, he reacted to the nominations on Twitter, sharing that he was “pretty frickin’ mind blown.”
Despite not taking home any of the awards for which he was nominated, Hayes seemed to remain upbeat and took to Instagram to congratulate the winners.
“I’d rather take this home than an ACM award anyway,” Hayes said, sharing a photo of his wife. “Truly excited for all the winners tonight. So honored to perform and be included @acmawards,” He later added. “Beyond proud of my team for getting us here.”
Songwriter Nicolle Galyon commented on Hayes’ post and told him he was her “favorite.”
Following his ACM Awards appearances, the viral singer took to Twitter to share what he declared the “best part of the night.”
Best part of the night ♥️ @ACMawards pic.twitter.com/EQO6mSVuci
— Walker Hayes (@walkerhayes) March 8, 2022
Hayes has had incredible success with his song, “Fancy Like.” The track went viral on TikTok after he and his daughter used it in a dance video and was also featured in an Applebee’s commercial.
