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 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.