First-Time Nominee Daya Says Grammys Are “The Biggest Honor”

February 10, 2017 ABC News Radio

Nathan JohnsonDaya is just 18 years old, but she’s having quite the month. Her debut album Sit Still Look Pretty just went gold, she’s kicking off her first headline tour in less than two weeks. And oh yeah, she’s nominated for a Grammy this Sunday.

Daya’s up for Best Dance Recording for her collaboration with the Chainsmokers on their hit “Don’t Let Me Down.” Daya’s mom initially didn’t want her to work with The Chainsmokers because of their hard-partying reputation. So what does she think of the fact that they’re now Grammy-nominated?

“She was laughing,” Daya tells ABC Radio, “‘Cause she was against it, for a very small amount of time in the beginning. But I told her I wanted to do it, and she was okay with it, and she met them, and now she loves them and they’re like family to her!”

The “Don’t Let Me Down” nod is one of three The Chainsmokers have going into the Grammys on Sunday night: they’re also up for Best New Artist and Best Pop Vocal Collaboration for “Closer,” their chart-topping single with Halsey. Daya says she’s thrilled to be able to get in on this whole Grammy thing.

“I think it’s the biggest honor to get a Grammy or even to be nominated for a Grammy, because it’s so music-focused,” she tells ABC Radio. “And it’s [voted for] by real, true, talented musicians and respectable people in the industry. So…it’s an honor to be a part of that.”

Daya’s headlining tour kicks off February 18 in her home state of Pennsylvania. It’ll wrap up March 30 in her home town of Pittsburgh, at the same venue where she used to attend concerts when she was just a fan. Ticket info is available at her official website.