Award shows are notorious for hyping up performances as “can’t-miss” moments, only to deliver a mixed bag of forgettable numbers. But every so often, a performance truly lives up to—and surpasses—the hype. That’s exactly what happened at the 2021 CMA Awards when powerhouse vocalist Jennifer Hudson teamed up with country music’s own Chris Stapleton for a jaw-dropping medley. Their soulful renditions of “Night Life” and “You Are My Sunshine” left the audience in awe and reminded everyone why live music still can bring people to their feet.
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A Tribute to Aretha Franklin with a Country Soul Twist
Jennifer Hudson and Chris Stapleton‘s collaboration wasn’t just any performance—it was a tribute to the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin. Hudson, who portrayed Franklin in the 2021 biopic Respect, brought her signature powerhouse vocals to two songs from Franklin’s legendary catalog, as Variety highlights in their interview about her journey with the role. And who better to join her than Stapleton, whose raspy, soul-drenched voice and impeccable guitar skills have made him one of the most celebrated artists in country music today?
The duo began their performance with “Night Life,” a Willie Nelson-penned classic Franklin recorded for her 1967 album Aretha Arrives. Hudson’s voice was a force of nature, capturing the bluesy essence of the song. At the same time, Stapleton’s understated harmonies and guitar playing provided the perfect foundation. Together, they breathed new life into the track, seamlessly blending their unique styles to create something nostalgic and refreshingly original.
But the magic didn’t stop there. The pair transitioned into “You Are My Sunshine,” a gospel classic from 1939 that Franklin also covered on Aretha Arrives. Hudson’s emotional delivery and Stapleton’s gravelly backing vocals gave the song a raw, spiritual depth reverberating through the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. The crowd, a mix of country purists and fans of Hudson’s soul-stirring vocals, couldn’t help but rise to their feet, applauding the once-in-a-lifetime pairing.
A Performance That Redefined the CMA Awards Stage
What made this performance so special wasn’t just the talent on display—the sheer electricity Hudson and Stapleton brought to the stage. Both artists are known for their ability to strip a song down to its emotional core, and together, they created a moment that transcended genres and audiences. Hudson’s commanding presence and Stapleton’s grounded authenticity were a match made in musical heaven, proving that country and soul are two sides of the same coin.
