Chris Stapleton Is the ACM Artist-Songwriter of the Decade

The Academy of Country Music just confirmed what we already know: Chris Stapleton is the Artist-Songwriter of the Decade.

The ACM recently surprised Stapleton with the award at Nashville’s Berry Hill Studios.

“Had Chris Stapleton not been an artist, his impact on country music as a songwriter would be indelible,” Kelly Rich, ACM Special Awards Committee Co-Chair, shared. “Had he not been a songwriter for himself and others, his influence as a recording artist, performer and vocalist would have been just as undeniable. In combination, however, Chris epitomizes the spirit and intent of this award. We are thrilled to recognize both aspects of his contribution to country music over the last decade.”

According to a press release, the ACM Artist-Songwriter of the Decade Award “is defined as an artist who has commercially released material, written in whole or in part by the artist. This award recognizes a songwriter whose creative works and performance have impacted country music over the decade.” Factors included in the ACM’s decision to award the trophy include, but are not limited to, the following: success at radio, commercial media, sales and streaming, artistic merit and ACM Award recognition.

Stapleton, who was nominated for his first ACM Award in 2014, has won a total of 10 ACM Awards to date.

The Kentucky native is the third recipient of seven new ACM decade awards. Previous winners include Rhett Akins, who was named ACM Songwriter of the Decade, and Miranda Lambert and songwriters Tom Douglas and Allen Shamblin for the ACM Song of the Decade for “The House That Built Me.”

Winners in the remaining categories will be announced in the coming weeks.