“NOT MANY PEOPLE CAN SING THEIR FLAWS OUT LOUD… BUT HE CAN.” Chris Stapleton walked onto the CMA Awards stage like a man who didn’t owe anybody a thing — just his truth. The lights were low, his guitar hummed that warm, slow riff, and then he let out a line that felt more like a confession than a lyric: “I can’t change — I’m still as bad as I used to be.” No drama. No polish. Just the kind of honesty that hits you right in the chest. His voice tore through the room, rough and real, and people stood up without even thinking. You could feel the whole place lock onto him — one man, one harmonica, and a truth only he could sing.

Country’s Biggest Stars Shine at the 2025 CMA Awards

On November 19, Nashville, Tennessee once again became the heart of country music as artists gathered to celebrate the 59th Annual CMA Awards.

Lainey Wilson returned as host for the second consecutive year, marking her first time taking on the role entirely on her own — and she carried the show with confidence, charm, and warmth.

Chris Stapleton Delivers One of the Night’s Standout Performances

Among the many memorable moments, Chris Stapleton captivated the audience with a powerful performance of his track “Bad As I Used To Be.” His unmistakable vocals and soulful presence made the song one of the evening’s highlights.

Chris Stapleton’s Anticipated Release: F1: The Album

Originally released in May 2025, “Bad As I Used To Be” appears on Stapleton’s project F1: The Album. This marked his first solo release since his 2023 album Higher.

The album serves as the official soundtrack for F1 the Movie, which debuted in theaters earlier last summer.

“Bad As I Used To Be” blends Stapleton’s signature, rootsy sound with subtle rock-and-roll elements. The track opens with a warm guitar line, soon joined by a rich harmonica that creates a steady, hypnotic tone throughout the song.

In the lyrics, Stapleton reflects on the pull between self-improvement and old habits. Although he longs to be a better man, he admits he still gravitates toward the fast-paced lifestyle he knows so well.

Lyrics excerpt:

“I bet you thought / You’d seen the last of me / I can’t change the way I am, you see? / I think it’s my responsibility to tell you / I’m just as bad as I used to be.”

Listen to Chris Stapleton’s “Bad As I Used To Be” below.

Chris Stapleton Brings Raw Emotion to the CMA Stage

Chris’ performance at the 2025 CMA Awards showcased the depth of his artistry. His gritty delivery and natural stage presence immediately pulled the audience in.

Midway through the performance, he delivered a smooth guitar solo that highlighted both his musicianship and the emotional weight of the song.

The crowd responded with a standing ovation, reaffirming why Stapleton continues to be one of the most respected and admired voices in modern country music.

Watch Chris Stapleton’s live CMA performance below.

“18,000 PEOPLE WENT SILENT… ALL AT THE SAME SECOND.” It didn’t feel like an award show anymore. It felt personal — like Nashville’s heart was beating in one slow rhythm. Vince Gill was holding the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award the way a man holds something he’s not quite ready to talk about. Then the screen behind him lit up with Willie’s smile… young hat, old soul. George Strait stepped beside him without a sound. No wave. No grin. Just a gentle hand on Vince’s arm and a quiet: “For Willie.” And suddenly, both legends bowed their heads. No music. No cue. Only a silence that felt like a prayer.

“Over 500 shows in his lifetime, but Jimmy has never stood this still.” It’s hard to explain what happened in that moment. Jimmy Fortune started to sing, and suddenly Harold Reid’s voice seemed to drift in like sunlight after a long storm. It didn’t feel spooky. It felt familiar… almost like Harold was leaning in the doorway again, smiling with those calm eyes of his. Jimmy didn’t push the notes. He just let them rise, soft and steady, like he was answering an old friend. And when their voices met — one here, one somewhere higher — the whole room changed. You could feel the years, the love, the brotherhood that never really ended. Some bonds don’t fade. Not even up there.

“Forty-five years later, the ache still feels brand new.” When Stephen Wilson Jr. starts “Gary,” the whole room changes. The air gets a little heavier, like everyone suddenly remembers someone they miss. His voice isn’t polished here — it trembles, cracks, almost breaks in the middle of words he’s still learning to carry. You can hear a son trying to talk to a father who isn’t here anymore, and somehow it makes you think about your own unfinished conversations. And on the third listen, that one hidden line… it hits like a quiet punch. You don’t just hear “Gary.” You feel it — right where love and loss meet. ❤️

“NOT MANY PEOPLE CAN SING THEIR FLAWS OUT LOUD… BUT HE CAN.” Chris Stapleton walked onto the CMA Awards stage like a man who didn’t owe anybody a thing — just his truth. The lights were low, his guitar hummed that warm, slow riff, and then he let out a line that felt more like a confession than a lyric: “I can’t change — I’m still as bad as I used to be.” No drama. No polish. Just the kind of honesty that hits you right in the chest. His voice tore through the room, rough and real, and people stood up without even thinking. You could feel the whole place lock onto him — one man, one harmonica, and a truth only he could sing.

“18,000 PEOPLE WENT SILENT… ALL AT THE SAME SECOND.” It didn’t feel like an award show anymore. It felt personal — like Nashville’s heart was beating in one slow rhythm. Vince Gill was holding the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award the way a man holds something he’s not quite ready to talk about. Then the screen behind him lit up with Willie’s smile… young hat, old soul. George Strait stepped beside him without a sound. No wave. No grin. Just a gentle hand on Vince’s arm and a quiet: “For Willie.” And suddenly, both legends bowed their heads. No music. No cue. Only a silence that felt like a prayer.

“Over 500 shows in his lifetime, but Jimmy has never stood this still.” It’s hard to explain what happened in that moment. Jimmy Fortune started to sing, and suddenly Harold Reid’s voice seemed to drift in like sunlight after a long storm. It didn’t feel spooky. It felt familiar… almost like Harold was leaning in the doorway again, smiling with those calm eyes of his. Jimmy didn’t push the notes. He just let them rise, soft and steady, like he was answering an old friend. And when their voices met — one here, one somewhere higher — the whole room changed. You could feel the years, the love, the brotherhood that never really ended. Some bonds don’t fade. Not even up there.

“Forty-five years later, the ache still feels brand new.” When Stephen Wilson Jr. starts “Gary,” the whole room changes. The air gets a little heavier, like everyone suddenly remembers someone they miss. His voice isn’t polished here — it trembles, cracks, almost breaks in the middle of words he’s still learning to carry. You can hear a son trying to talk to a father who isn’t here anymore, and somehow it makes you think about your own unfinished conversations. And on the third listen, that one hidden line… it hits like a quiet punch. You don’t just hear “Gary.” You feel it — right where love and loss meet. ❤️