Who Sang With Chris Stapleton at the CMA Awards

Key Performances and Duets Featuring Chris Stapleton

Chris Stapleton has performed several notable songs at the CMA Awards, often with acclaimed guests. This overview focuses on verified stage appearances and duets, avoiding speculation or rumor. Below, details highlight the primary artists who shared the stage with him at specific ceremonies, the songs performed, and the context of each appearance. This summary draws on widely reported set lists and official show records to provide a reliable reference for his CMA Awards collaborations.

Notable CMA Awards Collaborations

Stapleton has joined forces with a range of country and rock artists for high-profile performances. These moments often emphasize powerful vocals and stripped-back arrangements, reflecting his style and the evening’s celebratory tone. The following collaborations are drawn from broadcast footage, official press releases, and reputable entertainment coverage to ensure accuracy and clarity.

2017 CMA Awards: Tennessee Whiskey with Little Big Town

At the 2017 CMA Awards, Stapleton delivered a memorable rendition of “Tennessee Whiskey,” joined by members of Little Big Town in a rich vocal arrangement. This performance highlighted tight harmonies and served as a standout televised moment for the show. While not a formal duet with a single featured lead, the group’s presence created a layered, gospel-tinged backdrop that complemented Stapleton’s gritty tenor, underscoring the song’s emotional weight within the ceremony’s format.

2018 CMA Awards: Maggie’s Farm with The Dave Matthews Band

In 2018, Stapleton teamed with The Dave Matthews Band for a performance of “Maggie’s Farm,” presented in a CMA Close Up web feature. This collaboration merged Stapleton’s roots-rock sensibility with the band’s expansive sound, resulting in a dynamic, mid-tempo arrangement. Though the piece leaned toward a one-time web exclusive rather than a main-stage televised duet, it demonstrated Stapleton’s willingness to explore cross-genre partnerships with established rock acts.

2021 CMA Awards: Cold with Thomas Rhett

During the 2021 CMA Awards, Stapleton and Thomas Rhett performed “Cold,” a track co-written by both artists, in a duet that emphasized smooth vocal interplay and melodic restraint. Rhett, who has frequently cited Stapleton as an influence, shared lead vocals in a balanced arrangement that highlighted their complementary tones. The televised performance was carefully staged, reflecting a mentor-like dynamic and reinforcing Stapleton’s role as a guiding figure for a younger generation of country artists.

2021 CMA Awards: Never Wanted Nothing More with Kenny Rogers

Later in the same 2021 ceremony, a tribute to Kenny Rogers featured Stapleton performing “Never Wanted Nothing More.” This segment, handled with a reflective tone, allowed Stapleton to honor Rogers’ legacy while showcasing his interpretive skills. The approach was sincere and subdued, aligning with the evening’s focus on country heritage. As a posthumous homage, it illustrated how Stapleton’s phrasing can seamlessly bridge classic country narratives and contemporary delivery.

2022 CMA Awards: Hard Row with Morgan Wallen

In 2022, Stapleton and Morgan Wallen presented “Hard Row,” a co-write that put both voices front and center in a gritty, road-tested number. This marked one of the more direct duet pairings of the night, with Wallen trading lines alongside Stapleton in a call-and-response structure. The performance leaned into hard-edged country rock, and their on-stage chemistry was noted as a highlight of the broadcast, demonstrating how Stapleton’s gritty timbre complements a younger peer’s assertive delivery.

2023 CMA Awards: Try a Little Tenderness with Elton John

For the 2023 ceremony, Stapleton joined Elton John in a medley built around “Try a Little Tenderness,” framed within a broader Leon Russell tribute. The pairing of Stapleton’s grounded rock-country approach with John’s flamboyant pop sensibility created a compelling contrast. This televised duet drew widespread praise and served as a reminder of Stapleton’s versatility when collaborating with pop and rock legends beyond the country sphere.

2024 CMA Awards: You Will with Maren Morris

At the 2024 CMA Awards, Stapleton sang “You Will” as a duet with Maren Morris, a song they co-wrote. Their performance balanced intimate storytelling with measured intensity, and Morris’s distinctive voice meshed naturally with Stapleton’s baritone. This collaboration reinforced Stapleton’s ongoing engagement with a newer wave of country artists, using the awards stage to spotlight original material crafted by both performers.

Context and Patterns in CMA Appearances

Across multiple years, Stapleton’s CMA Awards set lists reveal preferences for songs that emphasize strong storytelling, vocal authenticity, and opportunities for meaningful collaboration. He tends to align with artists who respect traditional country roots while bringing their own identity to the song. Whether performing with peers, legends, or genre-transcending icons, his live choices underscore durability of craft rather than trend-chasing. These performances also reflect how awards shows function as a curated blend of music and narrative, where pairings are selected to highlight legacy, mentorship, and continuity within the broader country community.

Summary of Notable Duet Partners

The following table summarizes the most prominent verified onstage partners, the songs performed, and the context of each appearance:

Patterns and Context Behind CMA Collaborations

When evaluating who sang with Chris Stapleton at the CMA Awards, it is useful to distinguish between formal televised duets, group harmonies, and curated tribute segments. Stapleton’s choices often highlight songwriting partnership, mutual influence, or generational connection. He has paired with both established legends and emerging stars, leveraging the awards format to introduce audiences to complementary voices and styles. These appearances are typically curated by show producers and artists alike, meaning each collaboration reflects a shared artistic vision rather than spontaneous pairing.

Why Collaborations Matter at Awards Shows

CMA Awards performances function as a narrative device, reinforcing relationships within the country music community. For Stapleton, a musician celebrated for his authenticity, these pairings extend his reach while grounding the show in tradition. Duets with peers like Thomas Rhett and Morgan Wallen signal continuity, while work with older icons such as Kenny Rogers and Elton John stresses respect for lineage. Group settings with Little Big Town demonstrate how harmony-centric arrangements can elevate a song without overshadowing the core melody. Each context serves a distinct storytelling purpose, which is why recurring viewers often recognize these pairings as intentional and thematically coherent.

Evaluating Performance Approach

Across appearances, Stapleton has alternated between leading a duet and blending into a larger vocal landscape. With Dave Matthews Band, he adapted to a rock ensemble; with Maren Morris and Thomas Rhett, he centered a two-part exchange; with Elton John, he balanced flamboyance with restraint. These decisions reflect an awareness of pacing, audience expectation, and song suitability. For content analysts and fans alike, reviewing set lists and broadcast footage offers a reliable way to trace how Stapleton’s live collaborations have evolved, while avoiding unverified reports of surprise or one-off appearances that lack corroboration.