Chris Stapleton Dedicates His CMA Male Vocalist Of The Year Win To Late Friends: ‘I Miss You Guys’
Chris Stapleton continued his history-making winning streak in the CMA Male Vocalist of the Year category on Wednesday evening during…
Chris Stapleton, Photo Courtesy CMA Awards
Chris Stapleton continued his history-making winning streak in the CMA Male Vocalist of the Year category on Wednesday evening during the 57th Annual CMA Awards.
What Awards Did Chris Stapleton Win At The CMAs?
The soulful singer earned his seventh career win in the category, extending his run as the artist with the most wins in the Male Vocalist of the Year category in CMA Awards history. He broke that record in 2022 with his sixth win and extended it this year with his seventh.
Stapleton had a huge smile on his face when he took to the stage to accept the honor. Throughout his gratitude-filled speech, the Kentucky native thanked his family and his team and gave a shoutout to his fellow nominees.
“Thank you,” he began. “Thank you, CMAs. I mean, every one of these guys in this category deserve this award. I’ve won a couple of these and I’m always shocked that I win one and I’m humbled here, here tonight to get to stay in such a wonderful crowd of people. I want to thank my wife Morgan, who I don’t want to do any of this without her. Certainly don’t get any of these without her. And what? Well, I want to thank everybody, everybody on my team that worked so hard for us to do these things. And I’m so thankful to get to continue to be part of the country music community. And I’m really, really grateful that you, lemme do this and keep on doing this.”
Emotional Dedication
He appeared to hold back emotions as he dedicated his win to two friends that passed away this year: Mike Henderson, who was one of his longtime collaborators and co-founder of The SteeDrivers, and Eric Burrows, a former member of Stapleton’s security team. According to Taste of Country, Burrows held the title of director of security for Stapleton from 2016-2021.
“Thinking about a couple friends I lost recently this year, Mike Henderson and Eric Burrows. I want to send this one out to them. I learned a lot from Mike writing and [Eric] protecting my family for a long time. I miss you guys. Thank you,” Stapleton said in closing.
Following his acceptance speech, the “White Horse” singer made his way backstage where he shared a bit more about his relationship with Burrows.
“He toured with us quite a bit,” the singer/songwriter told media. “Took care of my family. Did security on the road. He passed away the day before yesterday, and he was just on my mind.”
“The kids loved him dearly,” Stapleton added. “We loved him dearly. He was a wonderful man.”
What Song Did Chris Stapleton Sing At The CMA Awards?
Stapleton’s wife, Morgane, was by his side at the show. They walked the red carpet together and later performed “White Horse.” Stapleton also joined Carly Pearce for a performance of “We Don’t Fight Anymore” during the show.
Stapleton will release his highly anticipated new album, Higher, on November 10. The 14-track release includes “White Horse,” and was recorded at Nashville’s iconic RCA Studio A.
Co-hosted by Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, the 57th Annual CMA Awards aired live on Wednesday, November 8 on ABC (8:00-11:00 PM/EST). The star-studded show featured performances by Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Dan + Shay, Jordan Davis, Cody Johnson, Ashley McBryde, The War And Treaty, Lainey Wilson, and more.
Always known for epic collaborations, the 2023 CMA Awards also featured a Jimmy Buffett tribute from Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Mac McAnally, and Zac Brown Band, a not-to-be-missed performance of country classics from Post Malone, Morgan Wallen, and HARDY, a performance honoring The Judds from Jelly Roll and K. Michelle, plus special duets from Old Dominion and Megan Moroney, and Little Big Town with Tanya Tucker.
Paula Abdul, Bill Anderson, Nate Bargatze, Kevin Cahoon, Jordan Davis, Cynthia Erivo, Sara Evans, Brian Kelley, Lady A, Martina McBride, Parker McCollum, Craig Morgan, Darius Rucker, Corey Seager, Gerry Turner, Keith Urban, Hailey Whitters and Chris Young appeared to present during “Country Music’s Biggest Night.”
Those who were unable to watch the show in real-time can watch the CMA Awards now on Hulu.
Lauren Jo Black is a longtime country music journalist, editor, host, and media personality whose work has helped shape the conversation around country music for nearly two decades. As the current Editor-in-Chief of Country Now, she has become one of the genre’s most respected voices, interviewing hundreds of country music’s biggest stars, including Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Randy Travis, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, and countless others. Over the course of her career, Black’s written work and interviews have reached billions of country music fans worldwide. A 2009 graduate of the University of Central Florida, Black began her career by founding Country Music Is Love, one of country music’s earliest independent digital publications, which she later sold to a major record label in 2015 before it was rebranded as Sounds Like Nashville. She then served as the publication’s Editor-in-Chief for more than two years. Her work has also appeared in Forbes, and she previously served as the Country Music Expert for Answers.com. Widely recognized for her expertise, Black has appeared as a featured guest on The Bobby Bones Show, BobbyCast, and Scripps News Morning Rush, providing insight on country music’s biggest moments. She has also hosted Country Now Live, a concert series featuring performances from artists including Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Riley Green, Jordan Davis, Dustin Lynch, Gabby Barrett, Brett Young, Jon Pardi, Kip Moore, Chris Young, and more. The series has welcomed thousands of fans in person while reaching millions more online. In addition, she hosted Connect With Country Now, a weekly interview series featuring conversations with rising country stars. Throughout her career, Black has earned a reputation for discovering and championing artists long before they become household names. She has covered Luke Bryan since the early days of his career, beginning when he was writing songs for other artists, including Billy Currington’s No. 1 hit “Good Directions,” before stepping into the spotlight with his debut single, “All My Friends Say” and eventually becoming one of biggest names in music. She also gave Megan Moroney her first opportunity to walk a major red carpet as Country Now’s official guest correspondent at the 2022 CMA Awards. An interview she conducted in 2018 for Forbes.com with Luke Combs that inspired his multi-week No. 1 hit, “Doin’ This.” She has also hosted stages at CMA Fest, moderated an industry panel at Country Radio Seminar, and helped lead important conversations about the evolving landscape of country music media. Beyond journalism, Black has also used her platform to support charitable causes and highlight organizations making an impact. Through Country Now Live, she has helped raise awareness and support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, while also advocating for animal rescue through Country Now’s Pupdate series, spotlighting organizations including MuttNation Foundation, Wags & Walks, and Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue. Black has been recognized as one of Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. She is a longtime member of both the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM). After nearly 20 years covering country music, Lauren Jo Black has spent her career telling the stories behind the artists, songs, and moments that have shaped the genre. Her first-ever book, Country Music Forever: An A-to-Z Celebration of Icons, Songs and Stories, brings that same passion and firsthand knowledge to the page, celebrating not only the legendary artists and timeless songs that have become the soundtrack to generations of fans, but also the places, traditions, and cultural moments that have made country music one of the most beloved genres around the world.
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