Hunter Hayes delighted local country fans with his performance at the M.A.C. Center on Friday for the Undergraduate Student Government’s annual fall show.

Performing to a sold-out crowd, Hayes thrilled fans with hit songs like “Wanted,” “I Want Crazy” and “Tattoo.”

“Never be afraid of doing something different. Dare to be something more,” he told the crowd.

When choosing a performer for this fall, USG decided to have Hayes perform due to Kent State’s lack of country performances on campus.

“We chose Hunter Hayes to come to Kent because we have not done a country show before, and it would draw a different crowd of students,” said Kaitlyn Thissen, a junior programmer for USG. “We wanted to show students that we are trying to do a variety of shows.”

Kent is considered one of the most popular locations to stream Haye’s new EP “21” on Spotify, according to a study conducted by Mashable.

His performance was more personal compared to his last Northeast Ohio visit, when he played on Lady Antebellum’s “Wheel’s Up” tour last June.

“I’m a graduate student, and this was my first time seeing a country concert here,” said Naomi Carlson, a graduate public health major. “We love him. Everyone here loves him.”

Hayes attracted hundreds of country fans wearing flannel and cowboy boots to hear his music.

“It’s amazing how someone who won best new artist of the year in 2012 performed at Kent State,” said sophomore fashion design major Sophia Siddall. “His performance was absolutely amazing. The energy during the concert was incredible.”

Event organizers also announced that comedian Amy Schumer will be performing stand-up at Kent State on Dec. 6. Tickets will be sold starting Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Rachel Duthie is a reporter for The Kent Stater. Contact her at [email protected].