Cole Swindell is country music's latest golden boy, with three consecutive No. 1 hits under his belt.
The singer/songwriter – who's toured with Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, and recently joined Kenny Chesney's "Big Revival" tour – says he's still trying to wrap his mind around his skyrocketing success.
"I'm trying to take it all in, but it's wide open," Cole told Access Hollywood with a laugh, as he sat down with us in New York City. "I think I might need a day or two here in a couple weeks to sit down and realize what all is going on… I couldn't imagine it being any better."
WATCH: Luke Bryan's Words Of Wisdom For Cole Swindell
For the music video to accompany his latest hit, "Ain't Worth the Whiskey," Cole enlisted the help of longtime friend and U.S. Special Forces veteran Kyle Davis.
The soldier, who's served five tours in Afghanistan and recently returned home, appears in the video with a few a military friends as Cole raises a glass "to those saving our a** overseas" – a cameo the country star said he'd envisioned early on.
"That was kinda the plan from the get-go – the lyrics to the song are you're kinda in denial, saying, 'Oh I'm out partying because this and this, not because I'm upset over [my ex].' But when we wrote the song, having a little salute to the troops at the end, I thought it would be cool since it looks like I'm out trying to get over my ex-girlfriend, it's really that we're all out because he's home from overseas," Cole explained. "It was cool to get a buddy in there, a real life friend that honestly has given up so much.
"It was cool to see how appreciative him and his buddies from his team were, like, 'I can't believe you put us in [your video],' and I'm like, 'Dude, I can't believe you do what you do – it's amazing!'" he added. "It was cool."
WATCH: Cole Swindell Reveals His 'Chillin' It' Inspiration
And the singer was thrilled to learn that his songs have been in heavy rotation on the playlists of the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces.
"There's nothing cooler to hear than you're at least providing some type of entertainment to people who are giving their time to protect us," he said.
Cole said his recent success inspires him to keep making great music.
"It's really what you dream of… I'm just trying to enjoy it," he said. "So many great things have happened for me – it just keeps me motivated to keep pushing and see how big we can take this."
Cole's self-titled debut album, which also features hit singles "Chillin' It" and "Hope You Get Lonely Tonight," is out now.
-- Erin O'Sullivan
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