Only two years after he began singing in public, the Cromwell man has won the Waikato Country Music Awards overall title.
His win makes him a contender for the New Zealand Country Music Association's Entertainer of the Year award and also gained him a place in the 2012 Trans Tasman Country Music Awards on Norfolk Island.
There was little that could compete with singing to an audience and knowing you had them on the edge of their seats.
''It's not just singing a song, it's engaging the audience. It's like a drug and it's intoxicating, performing for a crowd. I like the fact that someone's nana, who is aged 88, will enjoy the music as much as the 18-year-olds in the audience.''
His win at the weekend was ''right up there'' among the major events in his life, ranking just below his wedding to Katrina and being present at the birth of their four children.
The 38-year-old works as Central Otago area manager for the New Zealand Merino Company and fits his passion for singing around work and family life.
Katrina is his manager and she was responsible for him picking up a guitar two years ago and entering competitions.
''If it wasn't for her, I'd still be singing in the shower. She's been my driving force.''
She always knew he was a good singer, Mrs Adams said.
''And it was just a matter of channelling that talent and making the most of it.''
The extended family also played a role in his stage career - Mrs Adams' father, Ron Harper, and her brother Wayne Harper taught him the guitar and family members look after the couple's children when they are away at competitions.
''It's a juggling act, but I like Katrina to be there. Then all I have to do is focus on singing; she takes care of all the other details.''
His ''debut'' was at the Cromwell Country Music gala day in early January two years ago.
''I'd never been on stage before and was absolutely shaking.''
Adams has never had any singing lessons and says it has been a steep learning curve to get to where he is now.
His wife points out that while being able to sing is vital, stage presence also counts for something.
''You have to have that X-factor, something to differentiate yourself from other entertainers.''
His goal is to record an album containing original songs as well as covers. Visiting Nashville and Tamworth are also on his ''bucket list'' of things to do.
Country music had always been a vital genre and stood up well against the ''computerised'' music of today, Adams said.
''New'' country music was enjoying a surge in popularity with artists such as Taylor Swift and Keith Urban appealing to a wide audience, and it was that type of music he enjoyed performing.
At weekends he performed with a five-piece band, Cruise Control.
Singing with a band was enjoyable and less nerve-racking than competing as a solo performer in contests around the country, but the same principles applied to both, he said.
Although it would be a dream to be able to make a full-time living from his music, realistically, it was unlikely to happen.
''I'm fortunate to work in a rural-based industry, though, and most of my clients love country music, so they're part of the fan base.''
The national country entertainer of the year awards will be staged in Hamilton in August, and the transtasman event, which attracts top country singers from around Australia as well as New Zealand, will take place on Norfolk Island in May 2012.
