Kane Brown accepts the Country Champion Award at the 2024 People's Choice Country Awards

Kane Brown is the People's Country Champion!

The country music star appeared at the 2024 People's Choice Country Awards held at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville on Thursday, September 26, to accept one of the night's top honors.

“I always, always look down on myself every day. [I] I always look down on myself and never think I should be on this stage,” Brown, 30, said after thanking his fans.

The musician also encouraged “every child” and everyone watching to “dream, help others and not listen to people who say no or say no when you try to do something.”

Before ending his speech, Brown thanked his wife, Katelyn Jae Brown, with whom he has three children.

“She’s holding down our house,” he said, adding that he can’t wait to be home with his “babies.”

As the second winner ever, Brown is in good company. Wynnona Judd received first prize at the first People's Choice Country Awards in 2023.

Check out PEOPLE's full coverage here.

“From the beginning of his career, Kane Brown has ensured his legacy extends beyond music,” said Jen Neal, executive vice president, Live Events and Specials, NBCUniversal Entertainment. “His commitment to empowering and supporting younger generations is nothing short of inspiring and we are delighted to honor him with the Country Champion Award.”

The “Be Like That” singer began his illustrious career with a crowdfunded EP, Closer, Debuts at No. 22 on the Top Country Albums chart. After opening for Florida Georgia Line in 2016, Brown signed with a major label. He finally landed his first No. 1 hit in 2017 with “What Ifs” alongside Lauren Alaina.

Since then, Brown has expanded his country sound with collaborators ranging from Becky G to Khalid. He entered the pop charts for the first time with “One Thing Right,” his 2019 collaboration with electronic producer Marshmello.

Brown also made history in 2021 by becoming the first Black person to win Video of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards for “Worldwide Beautiful.” The “Leave You Alone” singer previously opened up to PEOPLE about his biracial identity, saying, “I’m biracial; I didn’t know that until I was 7 or 8 years old.”

Although Brown's latest album, other man, He came out in 2022, had a productive year and was nominated for seven awards tonight.

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The 2024 PCCAs will air live on NBC and Peacock from the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville on Thursday, September 26 at 8pm ET/PT.