Chris Stapleton teamed up with Dua Lipa at Thursday's Academy of Country Music Awards, harmonizing a surprise cross-genre duet of the country star's “Think I'm in Love With You.”
Stapleton and Lipa said it was the “Dance the Night” singer’s idea to collaborate and she approached the country superstar’s team about making the unannounced duet a reality.
“We talked on the phone, we talked about it and we worked on it a little bit,” Stapleton, 46, told Entertainment Tonight after the awards show. “We really just put together what we liked two days ago. So it was kind of a whirlwind, but it was amazing.”
Lipa, 28, confirmed that they started rehearsals a few days ago but they had been talking about it for “a little while.” She said it was a dream for her to work with Stapleton, an emotionally complex country star who is tough but vulnerable in her music.
“I'm a big Chris Stapleton fan, that's for sure, and I love country music,” she added. “I love storytelling, I love passion, and it was so beautiful to be able to immerse myself a little in that world, see it firsthand. “It was really special.”
Hosted by Reba McEntire, the 59th ACM Awards took place in Frisco, Texas at Star's Ford Center and streamed live on Prime Video. Stapleton won awards for male artist, album (“Higher”) and artist and songwriter of the year, but was edged out by “Heart Like a Truck” singer Lainey Wilson for artist of the year after winning the top prize last year. .
Wilson also earned female artist and music event trophies; the latter was a joint win with first-time nominee Jelly Roll due to her collaboration on his song “Save Me.”
Miranda Lambert premiered her new single “Wranglers” and Post Malone premiered his country song “Never Love You Again,” which merged with his new single with Morgan Wallen, “I Had Some Help.” Although Wallen didn't perform, he still got some recognition: “Schitt's Creek” star Noah Reid and Ashley McBryde attacked the “Whiskey Glasses” singer while presenting the single of the year award, joking about the consequences of Wallen's decision. Wallen. Arrested on April 8 while parodying the songs of each of the nominated artists.
“Last night, after a little alcohol, [the] “That chair over there really started to piss me off,” Reid sang to the tune of “Last Night,” Wallen's nominated hit. “They told me I threw it at someone I've never met and my publicist keeps telling me this isn't over yet.”
McBryde added: “Yes. You should smile in the mugshot,” referring to the singer’s racy booking photo.
McEntire later joined Malone for a duet on the Allman Brothers Band's “Ramblin' Man.” Jason Aldean also paid tribute to the late country legend Toby Keith and Jelly Roll sang a rendition of his new song “Liar.” Kane Brown sang a moving version of “Georgia on My Mind,” Thomas Rhett did “Beautiful as You,” and couple Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani performed a duet of “Purple Irises.” Pop punk star Avril Lavigne also performed “Bulletproof” alongside new male artist of the year winner Nate Smith.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
