2012 has been a huge year for Hunter Hayes. He recently picked up the CMA for New Artist of the Year and has also received three GRAMMY nominations including best new artist, a country solo performance nom for his single “Wanted,” and a country album mention for his very first major label recording, Hunter Hayes.

Speaking with CJ from the Amway Center as he was preparing to open for Carrie Underwood on her Blown Away Tour, Hayes mentioned that he had a few resolutions for 2013 floating around his head, but the only one that he was ready to talk about was the promise to remain true to himself as his career begins to rise to even greater heights.

“So many cool things are happening now and I just want to make sure that I’m not freaking out too much,” Hayes excitedly said. “I want to give myself time to be myself and not get caught up too much. And to enjoy it, but to appreciate it as well. You know, take time and look back and really remember everything.”

Central Florida fans will once again have the chance to catch Hayes this spring as he returns to the Sunshine State for a performance at the annual Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City on March 10, 2013.