Hunter Hayes is the ‘Next Big Thing!’

Be on the lookout for the multi-talented young artist, Hunter Hayes, who by all estimations in the future, could win just about every awards category, except for Female Vocalist. He writes his own songs and arrangements, sings them and can play just about any instrument set in front of him.

The 19-year-old performer, musician, writer and producer was just named CMT's "Next Big Thing," an extension of the network's Big New Music Weekend. As part of the weekend, CMT will debut Hunter's new video, 'Storm Warning,' today (April 22).

If that wasn't enough to turn any budding star on his or her ear, he was also tapped to open up a number of shows for superstar Taylor Swift on her Speak Now World tour, beginning July 28 in Grand Rapids, Mich.

This Louisiana native is no stranger to performing in front of thousands of people every night. He has shared the stage with Brad Paisley, Lady Antebellum, Trace Adkins, Charlie Daniels, Johnny Cash and Hank Williams, Jr., with whom he played 'Jambalaya' for more than a quarter of a million folks at the age of four. Oh, and not to mention, he appeared in the film, 'The Apostle,' with veteran actor Robert Duvall when he was only six, and has co-written songs recorded by Rascal Flatts and Montgomery Gentry.

Hunter co-wrote his Atlantic Records' debut single, 'Storm Warning,' with hit tunesmiths Gordie Sampson and busbee. In addition to the first single, the singer also wrote or co-wrote the rest of the songs on the album, played every instrument and co-produced the project with Dann Huff (Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts). The full album is expected to hit stores later this year.

Download Hunter Hayes' 'Storm Warning'