The adorable flashback picture shown here is from Hunter Hayes' debut album, released in 2000 when he was just a nine-year-old with an innocent grin. The child phenom still has that unassuming smile, but today he is one of the most exciting young country stars in Nashville. Quite a bit has changed since he first walked on to the scene -- his hair is even darker. But he's still seen regularly holding a musical instrument of some sort. 

In 2011, Hayes released his major label debut, which has two Top 20 singles to date. This summer, he picked up his first ever award, winning the Choice Male Country Artist at the Teen Choice Awards. With a ton of talent and a relentless work ethic, Hayes should seriously consider making more room on his mantel for more trophies.

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