Country artist Hunter Hayes came to TCU to perform in the Campus Commons Friday for the annual fall concert put on by the Student Government Association, and students said Hayes was a great performer.

“I thought it was really great,” said Sydney DeSpain, a senior neuroscience major. “It was fun to come and this be my last hurrah as a senior and experience one of TCU’s greatest traditions.”

“It always brings the student body together,” Michael Pratt, a junior sports broadcasting major, said. “I’ve heard a few of his songs, but I go to the fall concert every year and it’s always a lot of fun.”

Nearly 5,000 people came to see the concert, SGA president Maddie Reddick said.

“From what I heard from administration, the turnout was about 5,000, so I’d say that was a pretty good turnout comparable to Jason [Derulo],” Reddick said.

Hayes said he was very excited to be performing at TCU and was impressed by how many people came out to see him.

“I am so, so grateful that so many of you guys showed up tonight,” Hayes said. “You guys have been absolutely awesome. These are the coolest vibes we’ve ever experienced.”

Reddick said the concert went well and she enjoyed the music.

“I loved it, I thought it was incredible,” Reddick said. “Hunter was obviously very excited to be here. I’d say it was successful overall.”

Performer Ryan Lafferty opened the concert, and he entertained students with his own music as well as covers of songs including “Can’t Feel My Face” and “Cheerleader,” where he featured TCU student Michael Moreno on the trumpet.

Hayes came out a while after Lafferty and performed a set of 18 original songs and one cover of “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk The Moon.

Hayes played multiple instruments throughout the concert, including electric and acoustic guitars as well as the piano.

“Personally, I love the song ‘Wanted,’ and I loved when he came out and played it on the piano,” Reddick said.

Hayes’ penultimate song was “Crazy,” where he jumped on stage and asked the audience to jump along with him. The concert ended with an encore featuring the song “Wildcard” after students cheered and screamed for Hayes to sing again.

“We are the first stop on his college tour,” said Ryker Thompson, SGA vice president of operations. “It’s been an awesome turnout. I appreciate all the excitement from the students, and it’s just a great night to be out here.”

The crowd seemed involved throughout the entire concert, and students said they loved the experience overall.

“This is my third time seeing him, and he’s really good live,” said Jaelyn Greene, a first-year kinesiology major.

“How cool is it to see Hunter play at TCU?” Thompson said.