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Chris Stapleton and his wife, Morgane Stapleton, took the Bridgestone Arena stage with a soulful rendition of “What Am I Gonna Do” on Wednesday evening (November 20) at the 58th CMA Awards.
Stapleton released the ballad on his 14-track record, Higher, in November 2023. The powerhouse singer-songwriter also included “It Takes A Woman,” “Think I’m In Love With You,” “White Horse” and other highlights on his latest full-length studio record. Stapleton’s rendition of “What Am I Gonna Do” arrives after he kicked off the CMA Awards with F-1 Trillion artist Post Malone, performing “California Sober” live. Stapleton also took part in the all-star tribute to the legendary George Strait when he received the 2024 Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.
The star-studded lineup of performers at the CMA Awards also includes Kelsea Ballerini with Noah Kahan, Brooks & Dunn with Jelly Roll, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Ella Langley with Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Megan Moroney, Kacey Musgraves, Bailey Zimmerman, Dierks Bentley (featuring Molly Tuttle, Sierra Hull and Bronwyn Keith-Hynes), Luke Bryan, Ashley McBryde, Shaboozey, Thomas Rhett and Teddy Swims, and Lainey Wilson. Presenters include Simone Biles, Clint Black, Jeff Bridges, Mark Collie, Jordan Davis, Freddie Freeman, Don Johnson, Jackson Laux, Little Big Town, Dustin Lynch, Katharine McPhee, The Oak Ridge Boys, Taylor Frankie Paul, Carly Pearce, Caleb Pressley, Nate Smith, Daniel Sunjata, Mitchell Tenpenny and Billy Bob Thornton. The Country Music Association also revealed the all-star group of artists — Jamey Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Parker McCollum, Stapleton and Lainey Wilson — paying tribute to country legend George Strait. Strait is the recipient of the 2024 Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.
Luke Bryan returned to host the show again with Peyton Manning, and this time, they teamed up with first-time host and 2023 Entertainer of the Year Lainey Wilson. Check back with iHeartRadio for a live-updated list of winners throughout the evening, a gallery of the most stunning red carpet looks, coverage of can’t-miss performances and more throughout the evening. The 58th CMA Awards is airing on ABC on Wednesday evening, and will be available next day on Hulu.