An air of high expectation and inevitability has always surrounded Chris Young. Anyone who heard him sing, and anyone who experienced his poised and engaging stage show, inevitably decreed that this tall fellow with the friendly smile had what it takes. When they found out he also wrote the best of his songs, people would just smile, shake their heads and say, "That boy is going to be a star."

"For as long as I can remember, I told everyone I would be a country singer," says Young with the straightforward, aw-shucks attitude that has already won him a nation of fans. "I've always been sure that this was what I was going to do. I didn't know if I'd be successful, but I knew I would be singing, even if it meant doing it on the street with a cup in front of me. I love it that much."

With his second album on the way, he probably won't be on the streets any time soon. "Voices" is the first single off the new album, due out later this year.

Did you know?

• Chris Young holds the record for highest selling debut by a male country artist in 2006.
• Young formed a love of traditional country music from his grandfather, who bought him his first guitar.
• Influences include: Keith Whitley, Randy Travis, Vince Gill, Marty Robbins, Hank Williams, Ronnie Milsap, Alabama, Willie Nelson.