Luke Bryan looks for Grammy

By MESFIN FEKADU

AP Music Writer

NEW YORK

Luke Bryan is easily the reigning prince of country music: He’s scored 10 No. 1 hits on Billboard’s Hot Country songs chart; he’s one of a few contemporary acts to sell out stadiums; and he’s achieved back-to-back multiplatinum albums.

But Bryan, who has been on the music scene for a decade, has yet to earn a Grammy Award — or even a nomination.

“I guess a few years ago I kind of was thinking I’d get a Grammy nomination or two and didn’t,” said Bryan, who had one of the top albums of both 2013 and 2014 with “Crash My Party.”

“Yeah, you get a little frustrated by that,” he added. “I think the Grammys, sometimes accepting a guy like me is a little outside their deal.”

Things could change with the release of his fifth album, “Kill the Lights,” next Friday. “My focus is doing what I can musically for my fans first and foremost. ... Grammys stuff would be added, amazing stuff,” he said. “I’ve won quite a few AMAs [American Music Awards], and it’s so fun being out there and being recognized among all music as a country artist – that stuff’s very flattering. And if the Grammys stuff ever happens, I’d be flattered by it.”

Bryan has connected with young country fans thanks to his party anthems and songs about drinking and living freely. He will be at First Niagara Pavilion, Pittsburgh, at 7 tonight and Saturday (Ticketmaster).