This show is certainly the greatest ever in CMA’s past! – Justin Timberlake & Chris Stapleton

In 2015, a collaboration between Justin Timberlake and Chris Stapleton at the CMA Awards took the music world by storm. The unlikely duo performed a medley of “Tennessee Whiskey” and “Drink You Away,” turning heads with their soulful, bluesy sound and impeccable harmonies.

” Tennessee Whiskey,” originally recorded by George Jones in 1983, had already been a beloved country classic for decades. However, Stapleton’s interpretation brought new life to the song, adding his own gravelly vocals and bluesy guitar riffs. Timberlake, known more for his pop and R&B stylings, proved to be an unexpected but perfect complement to Stapleton’s sound.

As the performance began, Timberlake declared, “I’m just going to go ahead and say it: Chris Stapleton is one of my favorite artists out right now, period.” The two then launched into “Tennessee Whiskey,” which was met with thunderous applause from the audience. Stapleton’s raw emotion and Timberlake’s smooth vocals blended together seamlessly, creating a truly unforgettable moment.

The medley then transitioned into “Drink You Away,” a song originally recorded by Timberlake for his album “The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2.” The track took on a new life as Stapleton joined in, adding his signature style to the mix. Together, the two transformed the song into a bluesy, rock-infused anthem that left the crowd wanting more.

The Timberlake-Stapleton collaboration at the 2015 CMA Awards was a true highlight of the night and remains a standout performance in both artists’ repertoires. It showcased the power of two seemingly different genres coming together to create something truly special and memorable.