Cole Swindell Earns New Artist of the Year Honors at the 2015 ACM Awards

Cole Swindell was named New Artist of the Year at the 2015 ACM Awards ceremony in Arlington, Texas, beating out Sam Hunt and Thomas Rhett to earn the fan-voted award.

Acknowledging that his win came from the viewers, Swindell spent much of his speech thanking the fans for their support.

"This is an unbelievable awards show, and I can't believe I'm getting to be a part of it," he added, before calling out one particular superstar by name. "Luke Bryan, thank you for being like a big brother to me, buddy."

Swindell's hits over the past two years have included "Chillin' It," "Hope You Get Lonely Tonight" and "Ain't Worth the Whiskey." He now joins the exclusive club of New Artist of the Year winners, including previous victors the Band Perry, Florida Georgia Line and Scotty McCreery. Justin Moore won the trophy last year.

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