Since debuting his solo career with 2015’s Traveler, Chris Stapleton has reigned over country music. We all saw Luke Combs’ mouth fall open when the “Tennessee Whiskey” crooner accepted his eighth Male Vocalist of the Year award at this year’s CMAs. The man has the voice of an angel and the songwriting skills to match. So for country music fans, there couldn’t have been a better way to ring in the New Year than by hearing Chris Stapleton belt his greatest hits. The 10-time Grammy Award winner helped usher in 2025.
Chris Stapleton Welcomes 2025
Stapleton kept things familiar, while performing from Robert’s Western World, Stapleton delivered a dazzling “Tennessee Whiskey” rendition on New Year’s Eve. To nobody’s surprise, Stapleton crushed his set, with social media showering him with praise.
Videos by American Songwriter
“Chris Stapleton is just so so so good,” one fan wrote. “Chris Stapleton just went crazy now I want some whiskey,” another fan added.
The night also included a special performance from Stapleton and Post Malone. Taking the stage on Lower Broadway to perform their hit “California Sober” from Malone’s country music debut, F-1 Trillion.
🤠 Post Malone et Chris Stapleton sur le titre "California Sober" pour l'événement Nashville's New Year's Eve !pic.twitter.com/C6wOc3FvaA
— Post Malone 🛞 France (@Post_MaloneFR) January 1, 2025
Malone and Stapleton were part of the veritable Who’s Who of country music that took the stage tonight. Kane Brown, Jelly Roll and Keith Urban headlined the New Year’s Eve event. Past Entertainers of the Year Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Eric Church and Lainey Wilson also performed, along with Miranda Lambert, Shaboozey, and Brittney Spencer.
The Writing Session Was “Very Organic”
Although you can’t tell from their undeniable chemistry, Post Malone and Chris Stapleton met for the first time in the studio when they settled in to pen “California Sober.”
“We were there for 12 hours…from start to finish, and the record was made in that moment,” Stapleton said ahead of the 2024 CMA Awards. “It was very organic.”
Malone sheepishly admitted he was “was terrified to hang with Chris” before overflowing with compliments for his collaborator. “You’re one of the men of all time,” said the “I Had Some Help” hitmaker.
Featured image by Shutterstock
More Latest Music News & Stories
-
BEIJING – AUGUST 08: British singer Sarah Brightman and Chinese singer Liu Huan perform during the Opening Ceremony for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics at the National Stadium on August 8, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images) -
INDIO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 25: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) (NOT TO BE LICENSED FOR ANY STANDALONE OR SPECIAL INTEREST BOOK PUBLISHING USE CONCERNING THE COACHELLA MUSIC FESTIVAL AND/OR STAGECOACH MUSIC FESTIVAL) Wynonna Judd is seen at Guy Fieri’s Stagecoach Smokehouse during the 2026 Stagecoach Festival at Empire Polo Club on April 25, 2026 in Indio, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Stagecoach) -
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 08: Producer Manuel Seal arrives at the 48th Annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Center on February 8, 2006 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stephen Shugerman/Getty Images) -
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 17: Kenny Chesney performs on NBC's "Today" Citi Concert Series at Rockefeller Plaza on September 17, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Valerie Terranova/Getty Images) -
19th May 1967: The Beatles (left to right) Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Harrison (1943 – 2001) and John Lennon (1940 – 1980) at a photocall for the launch of their new album 'Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band', held at Brian Epstein's house at 24 Chapel Street, London. Lennon is wearing an afghan jacket and a sporran. (Photo by John Downing/Getty Images) -
TWIN LAKES, WISCONSIN – JULY 18: Dasha performs at Country Thunder Wisconsin at Shadow Hill Ranch on July 18, 2026 in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin. (Photo by Joshua Applegate/Getty Images) -
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 27: Charles Kelley performs at EXIT/IN on August 27, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images) -
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MAY 17: EDITORIAL USE ONLY. Kacey Musgraves performs onstage during the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 17, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)