Chris Stapleton will resume his role next year serving as the opening act for George Strait, performing in stadiums all over the country. For Stapleton, who has been headlining his own All-American Road Show Tour, he is eager to return to open once again for the King of Country Music.
“I think I halfway talked him into working more, but I really enjoyed doing that,” Stapleton said backstage at the CMA Awards. “I think it’s a good show to come to because George has ten million number ones, and people can watch all that, and what a great thing to get to watch. I love to be the opener for that. I love to walk out on stage and sing a few with George.
“It’s just a really fun show with me, and Little Big Town is usually on those shows, and they’re all friends, and it’s fun,” he added. “And so, I want to keep doing that as much as we can, and I keep talking George into it, so it’s good.”
For Stapleton, there is, quite literally, nowhere he would rather be than opening for Strait.
“I love doing these shows with George about as much as I like doing anything,” Stapleton said when the new tour dates were announced. “There’s nothing to compare it to. So many of his songs are in the ethos of what country music is. Playing these shows together is a great experience all the way around.”
Stapleton is continuing his reign as the CMA Male Vocalist of the Year, a title he has held a total of seven times, including the last three years in a row.
“I’ve won a couple of these, and I’m always shocked that I win one,” Stapleton said when accepting the trophy. “I’m humbled to be here tonight to get to stay in such a wonderful crowd of people. I want to thank my wife, Morgane, who, I don’t do any of this without her — certainly don’t get any of these without her.”
The CMA Award came two days before Stapleton released his latest album, the 14-track Higher, which includes his current Top 15 single, “White Horse.”
“Whenever we’re releasing new music, we don’t have a specific ritual really, but I think there’s a little bit of apprehension, a little bit of excitement mixed together wondering how fans will react, really,” Stapleton told his record label. “I think that’s the main thing going on in our heads when we put something out is we hope whatever we’ve done will be something that people will gravitate to and enjoy.”
Find all of Stapleton’s music and upcoming shows at ChrisStapleton.com.