Watch Emotional Moment Walker Hayes Surprised Aspiring Singer In The Ultimate Pay-It-Forward Moment

Walker Hayes is now the king of the country party anthem with hits like “Fancy Like,” “AA,” and “Smoke,” but that wasn’t always the case. Hayes is not what you’d call an “overnight success,” even if it felt like he came out of nowhere a few years ago. The truth of his story is that “Fancy Like” took off after two decades of hustle and struggle. 

“I had been rejected four or five times a year at a major public level. I was working at Costco looking other music business people in the face every day. You know they shop in my produce section, and we had to face each other and go, 'yeah it's come to this?' And I felt like I had to act like I'm good when I wasn't," he told Southern Living.

It’s safe to say that, more than most, Hayes knows a thing or two about how long it takes, and how much hard work is required to make your dreams come true. He will also be the first to say that he didn’t do it without help. The help came from his family–Laney and their children, but also from an unexpected new friend he made during the time he was facing some of the lowest of lows. Craig Allen Cooper and his wife Laura came into the life of the Hayes family as they were struggling to make ends meet but also when they were grieving the loss of their seventh child, Oakleigh. Not only did the Coopers help the Hayes heal and renew their faith, they gifted Walker and Laney with a new van to help ease the burden.

Because of this strong foundation and generous act of kindness, as Hayes finally saw his dreams come true and the earth steadied under his feet, he launched the Be A Craig Fund to be able to pay-it-forward and help others in their time of need. 

Earlier this month, the “Y’all Life” singer was able to do just that for a school janitor in Terre Haute, Indiana. Richard Goodall had just stunned the world with his rendition of “Don’t Stop Believing” on America’s Got Talent and earned himself a Golden Buzzer. Check it out if you haven't seen it yet:

While in town on tour, Hayes heard about how Goodall didn’t have a reliable car to get himself to the local television station for some press interviews. Hayes knew just what he had to do. Through the Be A  Craig Fund and with a little help from One Country, he was able to get a new car for Richard to get him safely to the next round of competition. 

During a party to send Richard off to return to AGT, Hayes rolled up in a new car with a silver bow on the hood. Watch the emotional moment here:

Choking back tears, Richard said “ We’re going to be able to travel and do things we would not have normally been able to do. And I cannot stress enough, whatever happens to me on the show, I’m going to be just like Walker and his people and give back.”

“When I heard Richard’s story, I knew I had to jump in. His journey is what the Be A Craig Fund is made for–helping good people who find themselves in a time of need. To watch him and his wife drive away in the brand new car, ready for the live shows for America’s Got Talent, was one of the best feelings. The kids and I can’t wait to watch tonight,” Hayes told Southern Living. 

Like Hayes said, the live shows for AGT begin tonight, August 13 on NBC.