Maren Morris to Appear on ‘SNL' Dec. 10

2016 has been a year to remember for country singer Maren Morris.

The girl who grew up a shy kid in Arlington is now country music's break-out star propelled to new heights with her hit "My Church" and the album "Hero".

Morris, 26, won the 2016 CMA Award for New Artist of the Year and is now up for four Grammy nominations: Best New Artist, Best Country Album for "Hero", Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance for "My Church."

"I was at home in Nashville, and I found out like everyone else did, super early in the morning, that I was up for four, and I was in utter shock," Morris told NBC DFW on the phone.

"I mean, especially after the CMAs last month, going into Grammy nominations; it’s like across the board. It’s such a huge honor. So, that was so cool to wake up and have that news and get to be in my own home, in my own bed for once, and really get to soak that news in." 

Being at her home in Nashville, where she now lives is a luxury these days.

"You don’t realize until you’re on the road so much, that that’s the hardest job, the hardest part of the job. I’m so lucky to get to see amazing places but I think I like slept in my bed four times last month," she said. "So, when I’m home I definitely like to enjoy it and see friends, then get back out there and play shows. So, I’m starting to find a balance, I think." 

Morris will play another big show Saturday night on NBC 5 when she'll perform as the musical guest on SNL.

Her website says, "Morris is the first Country Music artist to perform on the current 2016/2017 season of Saturday Night Live, the show’s 42nd season."

"It’s funny, I feel like I’ve played every NBC show this year," Morris said. "I’ve done Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers and it’s crazy to be going back to do SNL because it’s such a rare opportunity for a country artist."

"So, yeah, it came in so last minute, and I thought if I ever did SNL it would be way down the line but honestly, I feel so lucky to end my crazy year of 2016 on that note. It’s such a legendary thing to do," she said.

As crazy as it gets, Morris knows when it's time to get back to her roots, back to Texas and back to her fans and family.

"I’m playing March 23 in Dallas, actually, at the House of Blues. So, I’ll be there. Then, I’m obviously coming home for Christmas, but that’s going to be my first official show back in Texas," she told us. 

The show at the House of Blues is one of the stops on Morris' first-ever headline tour.

The Hero Tour 2017 kicks off Feb. 2 in New York City with a stop in Dallas on March 23. In between is the Grammy Awards where Morris could bring home four of the coveted awards. But before she hits the road, Morris will be back in Arlington, home with her family for Christmas with and wishes fulfilled.

"In a very real sense, everything’s already been granted and I feel like the older you get, the harder it is to ask for things or think of things you want. I like really thoughtful gifts, so I’m the same way with what I buy for my friends and family. I asked my sister for a Game Boy for Christmas. I want it to sit in airports and play Super Mario. So, we try to think of goofy things like that," she said. 

When Morris packed her bags and moved from Arlington to Nashville, she told her parents she'd give it a year and if it didn't work out, she'd come home.

The career worked out in ways even Morris finds hard to grasp.

"It’s been too crazy for words," she said.

"Honestly, my head is spinning all the time especially after this week. It’s been so amazing and wonderful to gain all these fans and get to play these amazing places around the country. It’s like a dream I had. It’s so cool to see it all finally coming true.”

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