Hailey Whitters Reacts to Hearing Her Song on KHAK [WATCH]

Country singer Hailey Whitters, a Shueyville, Iowa native, turned another dream into reality this week.

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I met Hailey for the first time almost 11 years ago. It was late June of 2012 and she was opening for Jo Dee Messina at a Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival concert. She was a young woman with big dreams. Dreams that one by one keep being realized because of her talent and hard work.

I remember Hailey telling me on the Kirkwood Community College campus that day in 2012 that she'd grown up listening to 98.1 KHAK. In the years since we've had Hailey in the studio and on the phone a number of times. I especially remember her visits when she sang "Happy People" (the Little Big Town song she'd written) and when it had just been revealed she'd be touring with Luke Combs. Dreams realized.

You've undoubtedly heard a popular music artist talk about the moment they first heard their song on the station they grew up with. Many have called it an unforgettable, milestone moment in their career.

On Thursday, Hailey was back home here in eastern Iowa taking some much-deserved time off before continuing her busy touring schedule. That's when Hailey Whitters' hometown radio station moment happened. It was 6:34 p.m. when she heard "Everything She Ain't" on 98.1 KHAK for the first time. (video below).

On her Instagram afterward, Hailey said, "pretty dang weird to hear this in my hometown.... everything I’ve worked for in the last decade+ in 2 minutes and 30 seconds. Been dreaming about this moment since I was a little girl ... still out in the fields. But a whole lots changed since then. Will never forget the first time. "

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Knowing Hailey heard it on our station, is a pretty darn proud moment for us, too. We're sure her dad will hear it next time.

Soon, Hailey will be returning to the stage as she performs ahead of Shania Twain on nine different shows.

As you can see below, Hailey is also doing performances this year in support of Eric Church and Luke Bryan.

Congratulations on all your success, Hailey. Your hometown radio station and all of eastern Iowa can't wait to see what dreams you realize next.

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