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Hunter Hayes: On the Run for 2013 CMT Music Awards Performance

Delivery of "I Want Crazy" Displayed His Musical and Athletic Skills

Hunter Hayes was on the run Wednesday night (June 5) during the 2013 CMT Music Awards as he raced through the crowd outside the plaza of Nashville's Bridgestone Arena to hop on a small stage for a "I Want Crazy."

During a backstage interview following the show, Hayes told CMT Radio Live's Cody Alan that he was excited about the logistics for getting to the outdoor stage in time to begin singing.

"I really wanted to do that," the Louisiana native said. "'Crazy' always had a lot of energy in the studio, and our shows have been picking up on energy. I think we just really wanted to do something that sort of showed how energetic the fans are and how awesome they are and to show everybody why we love them."

In addition to singing his hit song, Hayes also accepted an award for best new live act, presented by Nationwide Insurance. As happy as he was about winning the award, he was especially pleased that his performance turned out exactly as planned.

"I actually made it from stage to stage both times, so that's all pretty much I can ask for," he said. "We definitely ran through it a couple of times, and I was running to the pace. I was, 'OK, I think I've got this. I know when to stop and breathe so I can actually sing.'"

He was in his comfort zone -- as well as a danger zone -- as he ran through the crowd with his Stratocaster guitar.

"There was the interaction and all that cool stuff, and so I was worried," he admitted. "I was like, 'I think I'm bumping into people with my guitar. This is freaking me out. I don't want to hurt anybody."

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