Post Malone and Chris Stapleton kicked off the 2024 Country Music Association Awards on November 20 with a lively rendition of their duet “California Sober.” The duo, both sporting cowboy hats and accompanied by a full band, instantly set an energetic tone for the event. Their performance featured catchy lyrics that captivated the audience, as they sang engagingly to one another.
“California Sober” is featured on Post Malone’s album F-1 Trillion, which made its debut at number one on the Billboard 200 chart in August. The song has performed well on various charts, reaching number 34 on the Billboard Hot 100 and 14 on the Hot Country Songs chart, showcasing Malone’s successful transition into the country music genre.
The CMAs, hosted by Peyton Manning, Luke Bryan, and Lainey Wilson, were held at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Both performers are nominated for several awards; notably, they competed directly against each other in the Single of the Year category. The winner was announced shortly after their performance, with Stapleton taking home the prize for the third time in his career.
In addition to Single of the Year, Stapleton is nominated for Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year for “Higher,” and Song of the Year for “White Horse.” Meanwhile, Post Malone’s collaboration with Morgan Wallen, “I Had Some Help,” also received nominations for Musical Event of the Year and Music Video of the Year.
Given the excitement surrounding the event and the talent displayed by both artists, the future looks promising for both Post Malone and Chris Stapleton. Their collaboration signifies a blending of genres that resonates with diverse audiences, highlighting the evolving landscape of country music.
This year’s CMAs not only celebrate individual achievements but showcase the collaborative spirit that drives innovation in the music industry.