This performance is undoubtedly the best in the history of CMA! – Justin Timberlake & Chris Stapleton
In 2015, Justin Timberlake and Chris Stapleton took the stage at the Country Music Association Awards to perform a medley of two songs: “Tennessee Whiskey” and “Drink You Away”. What followed was a groundbreaking performance that bridged the gap between two seemingly disparate genres – pop and country.
Stapleton’s soulful rendition of “Tennessee Whiskey” was already a hit in the country world, but when paired with Timberlake’s smooth vocals and electric guitar riffs, the song took on a new life. The audience was captivated by the chemistry between the two artists as they traded verses and harmonized on the chorus.
As the performance transitioned into “Drink You Away”, Timberlake demonstrated his versatility as an artist by seamlessly blending his pop sensibilities with the country sound. The song’s catchy melody and infectious beat had the crowd dancing and singing along, proving that good music transcends genre boundaries.
The performance received widespread acclaim from both fans and critics alike, solidifying Timberlake and Stapleton’s status as true musical talents. It also helped spark a renewed interest in traditional country music among younger audiences, showcasing the timeless appeal of classic country tunes.
In the years since their memorable CMA performance, Timberlake and Stapleton have continued to collaborate, cementing their place as two of the most versatile and dynamic performers of our time.