Justin Timberlake & Chris Stapleton delivered a stunningly heartfelt performance of “Tennessee Whiskey.”
Chris Stapleton might not be the immediate association when thinking of Justin Timberlake, yet their collaboration is unexpectedly electrifying. This was evident during their dynamic rendition of “Tennessee Whiskey” at Timberlake’s concert in Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
Timberlake, a pop sensation, invited the country music artist to contribute vocals and guitar to this beloved track, a regular highlight in Stapleton’s performances. The performance kicked off with an impressive guitar solo, leading into Stapleton’s powerful delivery of the first verse. Their harmonious chorus followed, with Timberlake taking over the next verse, infusing the country classic with his signature pop and R&B flair, creating a delightful contrast to Stapleton’s soulful tone.
In a generous move, Timberlake ensured Stapleton took center stage for much of the performance, showcasing his remarkable vocal prowess and guitar skills right from the opening riff.
The audience was captivated by their synergy, with fans expressing admiration in comments like, “Stapleton’s singing feels as effortless as speaking, truly as smooth as Tennessee whiskey,” and urging for more collaborations, noting the magical blend of their voices. Their joint performance of “Say Something” on Jimmy Fallon was another highlight.
Their first encounter was through shared acquaintances, leading to a notable joint performance at the 2015 CMA Awards where they sang “Tennessee Whiskey” and Timberlake’s “Drink You Away,” significantly boosting Stapleton’s national recognition. Their collaboration continued with the 2018 hit “Say Something” from Timberlake’s “Man of the Woods” album, contributing to its triple Platinum success in the US, with both artists actively participating in the songwriting.