Chris Stapleton showcased his remarkable talent at the 58th CMA Awards held in Nashville on Wednesday, performing multiple roles throughout the event. He kicked off the night alongside Post Malone with their collaborative piece, “California Sober.” Later, he captivated the audience with his performance of “What Am I Gonna Do,” the first track from his nominated Album of the Year, *Higher*. Additionally, Stapleton honored country music legend George Strait, who received the prestigious Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.
Competing for several top honors, Stapleton was a contender for Entertainer of the Year, going up against notable artists such as Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Morgan Wallen, and current titleholder Lainey Wilson. To add to his accolades, Stapleton won the award for Male Vocalist of the Year for the fourth consecutive time, solidifying his status as the artist with the most wins in this category, having achieved the honor a total of seven times.
His album *Higher* not only received a nomination for Album of the Year, but its single, “White Horse,” was celebrated by winning both Song of the Year and Single of the Year. This album previously triumphed at the ACM Awards, claiming the title for Album of the Year as well. A review in Rolling Stone praised Stapleton’s consistent excellence, stating, “The best voice in Nashville doesn’t stray far from his proven formula on his soulful fifth LP, and that’s fine.”
Stapleton is no stranger to the CMA Awards stage, having performed at the event on numerous occasions. Last year, he sang “White Horse,” and in the year prior, he collaborated with Patty Loveless, Darrell Scott, and his wife Morgane to deliver a powerful performance of “You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive.” Morgane joined him once again this year for their heartfelt rendition of “What Am I Gonna Do.”
Overall, Chris Stapleton’s accomplishments at the CMA Awards reflect his extraordinary talent and dedication to country music, showcasing an inspiring vision of success that continues to resonate with fans across the globe. His ability to connect with fellow artists and audiences alike only adds to his legacy in the industry.