Fans wait in long lines to get his autograph and picture, audiences stay riveted to their seats during his performances, and the girls giggle and laugh when he winks at them from the stage.
Troy Hedspeth, a 13-year-old country sensation, takes it all in stride.
The Virginia Beach native and regular performer at Donk's Theater has garnered a growing legion of fans, both adolescent and and adult, and holds the promise of stardom in country music.
Troy's rise to fame started three years ago when he performed for the first time at an audition at Lynnhaven Mall for Star Search.
From the outset, Troy's parents were supportive. "He was always very shy," his mother says, "and had never shown an interest in performing. We went along with it but figured when the time came, he would see those people and get cold feet."
Instead the young Hedspeth sang "Two of a Kind" and received a standing ovation.
"When he came off, people were lining up for his autograph," his mom says. "That's when I first realized that this (performing) might be serious."
With his parents' help, Troy embarked on a course of action that has brought him his greatest measure of success yet opening for rising star Ty England at the recent Franklin/Southampton County Fair.
Troy arrested the audience with his talented renditions of hit country songs, wailing and crooning through Tim McGraw's "Don't Take The Girl" or rockin' thru Garth Brooks' "Ain't Goin' Down Til The Sun Comes Up." In fact, Brooks is Troy's biggest influence, so much so that he is often called "The Little Garth," a title he relishes.
"I like being compared to Garth," Troy said between sets at the fair. "He's been a big influence on me, and I think he's the best."
Even Ty England, who was Brooks' acoustic guitarist before going solo, was sufficently impressed. Listening to Troy, Ty commented, "That boy knows all of our songs!"
Troy's mother confirms that measure, "He knows every song that Garth has ever done. It only takes him about six minutes from the first time he hears a song before he knows it by heart. It's scary in a way."
"We make sure he does the 'boy thing'," says his mother. "If he wants to fish or play sports, we make sure he has those opportunities."
At such a young age, one question bears asking above all others - what happens when his voice changes as he moves into his middle teens?
Troy doesn't see a problem. "I'll just adapt," he says.
Troy's father reiterates his son's sentiment. "We've already had to change a few of the songs to another key because his voice has lowered just a bit," he says.
Even as the young star's career is very much on track, Troy has no illusions about his chances. "I have a lot to learn and a long way to go," he reflects.
Besides, he's only 13.
Meanwhile, Troy is making himself heard while honing his skills and talent. Every other Saturday, you can catch him at Donk's Theater in Mathews, Va., where on Sept. 30 he will be the featured performer for the fifth time.
Back on stage at the Franklin/Southampton County Fair, Troy sings a few more songs to recorded accompaniment, then switches to his acoustic guitar for several numbers.
The audience is enthralled. No one talks, no one moves and every eye is glued to the lithe performer with the natural good looks, natural talent and a destiny for that little circle on the stage of Nashville's Grand Ole Opry.