The Academy of Country Music Awards are taking place on Sunday evening and the race for 'New Artist of the Year' is heating up. The competition is between country newcomer Sam Hunt, Cole Swindell and Thomas Rhett.

Radio.com sat down with Sam Hunt who is opening up about his rising career in country music and that he still knows he has to prove himself to fans. "I feel like we are very new to this world. And we have a long way to go and definitely still have to prove our being worthy of belonging," said Hunt.

The "Leave The Light On" singer is known for his unique musical style which includes spoken word and his vocal range. "People who discovered us through that song say that it caught their attention and inspired them to look up who I am as an artist and dig in and find other music," he shares. "If nothing else, it sparked curiosity for people. That was part of the goal," explained Hunt.

Hunt will be opening for Lady Antebellum on their "Wheels Up" tour along with Hunter Hayes.

The ACM awards will be taking place on Sunday at 7 p.m.

Image courtesy of Michele Eve Sandberg/INFphoto.com