Hunter Hayes says he's looking forward to meeting his fellow Best New Artist nominees at this weekend's Grammy Awards. The country singer is facing off against The Lumineers, Alabama Shakes, fun., and Frank Ocean for the prize. He tells Billboard.com he's particularly interested in spending time with the members of The Lumineers and fun., explaining that he respects them "for the music they make and what they stand for." He adds that he wants to "sit down, chat with them, and see how they think." Hunter calls his Best New Artist nomination "huge" for him, because he's "in a category with people who are shaping and inventing new sounds."

Hayes is in the running for three awards at the event. His other bids are for Best Country Album with his self-titled debut effort, and Best Country Solo Performance with the hit "Wanted." The 55th annual Grammy Awards will air on CBS this Sunday at 8:00 p.m. Eastern.