During the 2023 ACM Honors, The War and Treaty paid tribute to this year’s ACM Triple Crown Award recipient, Chris Stapleton with a stunning delivery of his Grammy award-winning tune, “Cold.”
The War And Treaty Honored Stapleton With “Cold”
The husband-and-wife duo belted out the profound depiction of heartbreak alongside a four-person orchestra, earning them a standing ovation from those seated within Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium.
Together, The War and Treaty also took a moment to share a congratulatory message for Stapleton, who welcomed them as special guests on his All-American Road Show earlier this year.
“We’ve gotten to know Chris and Morgane, and they’ve really welcomed both of us into their world,” said Michael Trotter Jr, one half of the powerhouse duo. “We’re proud to bring our music to your All American Road Show. Thank you, Chris.”
Marty Stuart Also Performed “Tennessee Whiskey”
The tribute for Chris Stapleton continued when country music icon Marty Stuart graced the stage to share a few words of his own in commemoration of the “Tennessee Whiskey” singer’s impressive impact on the genre.
“Every now and then, somebody comes through that levels all the walls and moves us forward,” Stuart shared. “The thing that I love about Chris is he does it from the heart.”
“His sound that’s so unique and so ahead of the curve that it’s no surprise that he’s winning this award tonight. His fan base stretches across all genres,” he added. “It’s so evident, Chris, that your fans and all the artists alike appreciate your remarkable musicianship.”
Chris Stapleton Graciously Accepts ACM Triple Crown Award
Stapleton now joins the list of previous recipients of the ACM Triple Crown award, which includes Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Mickey Gilley, Merle Haggard, Miranda Lambert, Barbara Mandrell, and Carrie Underwood.
Throughout his career, the country star has racked up an impressive number of awards from the Academy of Country Music including ACM New Male Vocalist of the Year, ACM Male Vocalist of the Year, and ACM Entertainer of the Year. As a result of these wins, Stapleton qualified to receive this year’s ACM Triple Crown.
While appearing at the Ryman Auditorium to accept his most recent accolade, Stapleton delivered a humble speech that not only recognized his fans, but also his wife, children, label and the entirety of his team.
“I’m so grateful to everybody that has supported me over the years,” the “Tennessee Whiskey” singer began.
“It’s Just Unbelievable”
Stapleton continued to reflect on his critically acclaimed career that started out with a dream and has gradually blossomed into stardom. As he explained in front of the live audience, this success comes as a result of the incredible support he’s received from those around him.
“I was just out here playing songs, seeing if something could happen. Still kind of feel that way sometimes,” he shared before adding, “It’s a wonderful and rare thing to get to do something that you love so much… I have my heroes handing me awards and new friends that I admire so much singing songs that I had a hand in writing and performing. It’s just unbelievable that I continue to get to do this. I’m so grateful to all the fans and people that come to the shows.”
In conclusion, the Kentucky born singer/songwriter proudly stated, “Thank you, everybody. I really appreciate it.”
2023 ACM Honors
The 16th Annual ACM Honors was filmed on Wednesday, August 23 at the famed Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee.
Dubbed “Country Music industry’s favorite night,” the 2023 ACM Honors recognized several special honorees, including Tim McGraw (ACM Icon Award), Chris Stapleton (ACM Triple Crown Award), Charlie Daniels (ACM Spirit Award), Clint Black (ACM Poet’s Award), Mary Chapin Carpenter (ACM Poet’s Award), BRELAND (ACM Lift Every Voice Award), Kane Brown (ACM International Award), HARDY (ACM Artist/Songwriter Of The Year Award) and more.
The coveted awards show also featured performances from BRELAND, Keith Urban, Lee Brice, Brandy Clark, Priscilla Block, Jordan Davis, Billy Ray Cyrus, FIREROSE, Sara Evans, Chris Janson, Lady A, Nelly, Bailey Zimmerman, Dennis Quaid, The War And Treaty, Trisha Yearwood, Brett Young as well as the show’s host Carly Pearce, among others.
Randy Travis, Big Kenny, Marty Stuart and Storme Warren were also on hand to present.
Carly Pearce returned as the show’s host for the third consecutive year. “The Academy of Country Music has played such a crucial role in the rise of my career in the last several years, giving me opportunities to expand my artistry with hosting,” Pearce previously shared in a statement. “To be able to come back as the host of the ACM Honors for the third year in a row, I feel so grateful and excited for what I know will be such a special night!”
ACM Honors premiered on Monday, September 18 at 8/7c on FOX. The show will also be available to stream on Hulu on Tuesday (Sept. 19).
