ABC/Randy HolmesThere’s no denying a shot of “Tequila” has taken Dan + Shay‘s career higher than it’s ever been before. Just this week, their multiple-week #1 helped them garner CMA nominations for Song, Single, Duo and Video of the Year.
“It’s taken us kinda to the next level,” Shay Mooney agrees, “and we can feel it at shows. You know, we always post videos of our fans singing along, and it’s just crazy. You know, whenever we start that song, people go nuts.”
In fact, if you count Dan Smyer‘s extra nomination for producing “Tequila,” he stands to take home as many trophies as this year’s leading nominee, Chris Stapleton.
“To hear our name for something that we worked so hard for,” Dan reflects, “and the fans have raised their hand and supported us [for] since day one…this just feels like a full circle moment… It feels incredible. It hasn’t hit us yet, so yeah, we’re fired up. It’s gonna be a great fall for us.”
Dan admits he’s pretty happy to be feeling the love from Music Row.
“It just feels like that sort of acceptance in the country music community,” the Pennsylvania native says. “…We grew up loving country music, still love country music. We moved here to write country songs. And to be nominated, I feel like, is that cool pat on the back from your peers.”
He adds, “It’s such an honor for us to not only have one nomination — but multiple — is really cool.”
We’ll find out how much space Dan + Shay need to clear in their trophy case on November 14, when the 52nd CMA Awards air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on ABC.
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