Who is that next to Hunter Hayes?
That seemed to be one of the frequently asked questions last night at the 2014 Country Music Association Awards after cameras revealed the young country crooner was sitting alongside a gorgeous young lady. She was later identified as Libby Barnes, a Nashville makeup artist and hairstylist—and more importantly, Hayes' rumored girlfriend!
"I have a very lovely date actually. She's gorgeous, and very sweet, too. I'm really lucky," Hunter gushed during a pre-CMAs interview. Although the pair barely made their public debut last night, the 23-year-old star has reportedly been dating Libby for a couple of months now.
As for how the fans are dealing with this news...well, there are mixed reactions:
*tries to ignore Hunter Hayes new girlfriend*
what do you mean im not upset
? sea?chels (@chelseagustaf) November 6, 2014
Hunter Hayes' girlfriend is soo pretty and they're so cute and I am so ??
? maggie (@MCSeptember) November 6, 2014
Hunter Hayes has a girlfriend? I'm going to go cry now. Guess this means I can't hug him when I see him on Sunday.. hahahaha. but really.
? Erica Morgan (@EricaMorgan3) November 6, 2014
I'm so glad @HunterHayes feels like he can share his lovelife with us!! His girlfriend and him are adorable together!! I support them!!
? Hayniac For Life (@HayniacLife) November 6, 2014
Trying to Ignore the fact that @HunterHayes has a girlfriend like... pic.twitter.com/7hpJFa1A7W
? Hattie LeVeque (@hattie_liz22) November 6, 2014
My heart is broken but I'm happy for Hunter Hayes and his new girlfriend. ??
? Alexis (@lexkep) November 6, 2014
Dear everyone I see tomorrow, if I'm in a bad mood it's because Hunter Hayes has a girlfriend that isn't me ????
? Valyn (@FrantaHayes) November 6, 2014
I'm still going to have fantasies about you but congrats of the girlfriend @HunterHayes
? Makayla (@HuntersGumbo) November 5, 2014
Who is sitting next to Hunter Hayes at the CMA's .. That better not be his girlfriend #myheartcanthandlethis
? Carmelina Parlo (@cp_x0) November 6, 2014
So apparently my husband Hunter Hayes has a girlfriend....I'm gonna go cry now
? Hunter Lowy (@HunterLowy) November 6, 2014
—Additional reporting by Lindsey Caldwell
What do you think of Hunter Hayes' rumored girlfriend? Sound off in the comments!