Home Morte

The Ultimate List: Every Shocking Duet Chris Stapleton Has Performed At The CMA Awards

• minute read
Contents

The question of who Chris Stapleton sang with at the most recent CMA Awards has a surprising, genre-bending answer that instantly became a viral moment. As of December 20, 2025, the latest Country Music Association Awards ceremony saw the iconic country troubadour share the stage with none other than the multi-platinum, genre-fluid superstar, Post Malone. This highly anticipated collaboration kicked off the 58th Annual CMA Awards in Nashville, setting an electrifying tone for the evening and proving Stapleton’s unparalleled ability to bridge musical worlds.

The duo’s performance was a powerful rendition of their hit single, "California Sober." This collaboration was not just a one-off awards show moment; it was a key track from Post Malone’s debut country album, F-1 Trillion, firmly cementing his entry into the genre. Stapleton, known for his soulful voice and traditional sound, provided the perfect counterpoint to Malone’s melodic delivery, creating a performance that captivated the Bridgestone Arena crowd and millions of viewers at home.

The Shocking 2024 CMA Awards Collaboration: Chris Stapleton and Post Malone

The 2024 CMA Awards opener was arguably the most talked-about performance of the night. The pairing of Chris Stapleton and Post Malone was a masterstroke of cross-genre marketing and a testament to Stapleton's influence in the music industry.

Their song, "California Sober," resonated deeply with fans. It’s a reflective, blues-infused country track that showcases both artists' vocal strengths. The collaboration highlighted a significant trend: the increasing acceptance of crossover artists within the traditionally guarded country music community.

Post Malone, whose real name is Austin Post, has long expressed his love for country music, citing artists like Hank Williams and Johnny Cash as influences. His collaboration with Stapleton, a multiple-time Male Vocalist of the Year winner, provided him with an undeniable stamp of authenticity in the genre. This duet was the perfect launchpad for his new artistic direction.

The energy on stage was palpable. Stapleton’s rugged, powerful vocals blended seamlessly with Malone’s more polished, yet equally emotive, delivery. It was a moment that redefined what an opening CMA Awards act could be, emphasizing that great music transcends labels and boundaries.

The Legacy of Unexpected Duets: Stapleton's CMA Awards History

While the Post Malone duet is the latest sensation, Chris Stapleton has a distinguished history of delivering career-defining, surprising collaborations on the CMA Awards stage. His willingness to partner with artists from diverse backgrounds has solidified his status as a musical statesman.

The 2015 Breakout: Justin Timberlake

Perhaps the most iconic collaboration was his 2015 performance with pop and R&B icon Justin Timberlake. They performed a medley that included Stapleton’s "Tennessee Whiskey" and Timberlake’s "Drink You Away."

This single performance is widely credited with catapulting Stapleton from a respected songwriter and bluegrass artist into a mainstream country superstar overnight. The soulful, raw energy of their duet became an instant classic, introducing Stapleton’s music to a massive global audience.

The 2018 Soulful Blend: Mavis Staples

In 2018, Stapleton joined forces with the legendary R&B and gospel singer Mavis Staples. This performance was a powerful blend of genres and decades, showcasing Stapleton’s deep roots in blues and soul music.

The collaboration with Staples, a Civil Rights icon and member of The Staple Singers, was a moving tribute to the power of music and its connection to American heritage. It was another example of Stapleton using the CMA platform to elevate an artist from outside the traditional country sphere.

The 2021 Powerhouse: Jennifer Hudson

Another memorable moment came at the 2021 CMA Awards when Stapleton shared the stage with Oscar and Grammy winner Jennifer Hudson. Their medley of "Night Life" and "You Are My Sunshine" was a vocal masterclass.

Hudson’s powerhouse voice and Stapleton’s gritty delivery created a dynamic, emotional performance. This duet further cemented Stapleton's reputation as the artist who can successfully collaborate with anyone, regardless of genre.

Stapleton's Essential Collaboration: Morgane and Other Key Partners

When discussing Chris Stapleton's CMA Awards performances, it is impossible to overlook his most frequent and essential collaborator: his wife, Morgane Stapleton.

The Constant Partner: Morgane Stapleton

Morgane Stapleton is a fixture on stage with Chris, providing beautiful harmony vocals and playing tambourine or acoustic guitar. Their duets are often the most heartfelt and intimate moments of any awards show. They performed the song "What Am I Gonna Do" at a CMA ceremony, showcasing their undeniable chemistry and deep emotional connection.

Morgane is not just a backing vocalist; she is an artist in her own right and an integral part of the Chris Stapleton sound. Their partnership is a cornerstone of his success and a beloved sight for country music fans.

Other Notable CMA Collaborations

Stapleton has also performed with other country heavyweights on the CMA stage, including a steamy, Grammy-nominated duet with Miranda Lambert. They performed "A Song to Sing," further demonstrating his versatility within the country genre.

Addressing the Dua Lipa Confusion

It is important to note that while Chris Stapleton did perform a major duet with pop star Dua Lipa in 2024, it was at the ACM Awards (Academy of Country Music Awards), not the CMA Awards. They performed "Think I'm In Love With You," sparking similar buzz to his CMA collaborations.

This distinction highlights Stapleton's consistent strategy of using high-profile award shows—both CMA and ACM—to showcase his music’s broad appeal and his willingness to work with global artists.

The Impact of Chris Stapleton's CMA Duets

Chris Stapleton's collaborations are more than just awards show filler; they are cultural moments that reshape the landscape of country music. By inviting artists like Post Malone, Justin Timberlake, and Mavis Staples onto the CMA stage, Stapleton has effectively done two things:

  • Expanded the Audience: He has introduced traditional country sounds to fans of pop, R&B, and hip-hop.
  • Validated Crossover: He has made it acceptable and even celebrated for non-country artists to participate in the genre, fostering a more inclusive environment.

From his breakout with Timberlake to his most recent, rocking opener with Post Malone, Stapleton’s performances are a powerful reminder that soulful music, delivered with authenticity, is universally appealing. His choice of partners consistently generates excitement and proves that the spirit of country music is vast and welcoming to all who respect its roots and traditions.

The question of "who did Chris Stapleton sing with" will always lead to a fascinating answer, underscoring his role as one of the most important and influential artists in modern music. Fans eagerly await to see which superstar he will share the stage with next at the CMA Awards.

who did chris stapleton sing with at the cma awards
who did chris stapleton sing with at the cma awards

Detail Author:

  • Name : Rachael Heathcote
  • Username : sister23
  • Email : elsie64@gmail.com
  • Birthdate : 2000-06-21
  • Address : 4953 Deon Throughway East Alysonburgh, OK 98735
  • Phone : +17142235516
  • Company : Boyle Group
  • Job : Psychiatrist
  • Bio : Possimus tempore in consequatur amet. Dolores aliquid et aut est libero tenetur qui. Porro ea dolore consequatur tempore perferendis amet. Aperiam ex quidem reiciendis nihil autem dolor.

Socials

linkedin:

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/alfreda1722
  • username : alfreda1722
  • bio : Voluptas facere quasi earum sit est fugit saepe facere. Enim est veritatis consequatur. Natus adipisci nulla adipisci velit delectus.
  • followers : 6828
  • following : 2079

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/akunze
  • username : akunze
  • bio : Unde dolorem facere eos quos. Quasi quod sed aperiam. Tenetur ut occaecati et eos.
  • followers : 4937
  • following : 1441

tiktok:

Random Posts