At the 54th Annual Country Music Association (CMA) Awards on November 11, 2020, Chris Stapleton captivated the audience with a stunning performance of his song “Starting Over.” Held at Nashville’s Music City Center, the performance featured Stapleton alongside his wife, Morgane Stapleton, who added beautiful backing vocals that enhanced the emotional depth of the song.
“Starting Over,” the title track from Stapleton’s fourth studio album, was co-written with Mike Henderson, a former member of Stapleton’s band, the SteelDrivers. Released in August 2020, the song resonated deeply with listeners, offering a message of hope and fresh starts—an especially powerful theme in a year marked by global challenges. Critics, like Rolling Stone’s Joseph Hudak, praised the song for its relevance and optimism in the face of adversity.
This CMA Awards performance marked the song’s live debut, and it did not disappoint. With his soulful voice and an intimate stage setup, Stapleton mesmerized the audience, while the chemistry between him and Morgane added an authentic touch that perfectly aligned with the song’s themes of love and perseverance.
Amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to several performers having to pull out of the event, Stapleton’s performance was a beacon of resilience. His appearance also served as a preview to his album “Starting Over,” which was released two days later, on November 13, 2020. The album, praised for blending country, blues, and rock influences, further solidified Stapleton’s place as a versatile and soulful artist.
In a year full of uncertainty, Stapleton’s performance was a reminder of the power of music to heal and inspire, offering a much-needed message of hope during tough times. His appearance at the 2020 CMA Awards was truly a standout moment, both musically and emotionally.
