It was a big night for Country stars at last night’s American Music Awards. A year after Brantley Gilbert shocked the country community by taking home the country album of the year award, it was Sam Hunt who shocked the music community last night.

The “Take Your Time” singer took home the New Artist of the Year award beating out overnight sensation The Weeknd and “Shut Up and Dance” singers Walk the Moon. For Hunt it caps off a historic year. A little more than 18 months ago the singer was largely unknown to the music community. Fast forward to today and he has three platinum singles, including one double platinum and a top fifteen hit on the pop charts. It’s the biggest crossover hit of the year by a wide margin. Thanks to his unique style, willingness to step outside the lines of the typical country sound, and some serious swagger Sam Hunt has quickly become the face of country for much of the general public.

Other winners included Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood taking home the Male and Female Country Artist of the Year awards and Florida Georgia Line won country album of the year with Anything Goes.