Why Chris Stapleton Apologized When He Won Song of the Year

The coveted Song of the Year trophy went to Chris Stapleton’s “White Horse” at the 2024 CMA Awards on Wednesday night (November 20). This award is given to the winning songwriters.

This marked Stapleton’s second win of the night. Minutes earlier, he won single of the year, also for “White Horse.” To win the trophy, Stapleton took the stage with several collaborators, but his wife stuck to the crowd, even though she is a critical contributor to all of his music.

Stapleton may not have thanked his wife during his Single of the Year acceptance speech, but he wasn’t about to make the same mistake twice.

“I’m really dumbfounded. Thank you so much for this. I owe my wife an apology,” Stapleton said as he stood at the podium. “This last award also belonged to her. It happened so quickly…all my music.” I really owe her a lot, so I thank her for her support.”

He handed the microphone to his co-writer Dan Wilson, who expressed gratitude to everyone involved, as well as the Nashville songwriter community.

Some of the most impressive songs of the year were nominated in this category. “Burn It Down” by Parker McCollum, “Dirt Cheap” by Cody Johnson, “I Had Some Help” by Post Malone and Morgan Wallen, and “The Painter” by Cody Johnson.

Stapleton co-wrote the song with famed songwriter and musician Dan Wilson, who wrote such hits as the Chicks’ “Not Ready to Make Nice,” Adele’s “Someone Like You” and “Closing Time,” which he performed with his band Semisonic. .

The songwriter pair’s newly launched CMA Award isn’t the first industry trophy they’ve won for “White Horse.” They also won the Grammy Award for Best Country Song earlier this year.

The 2024 CMA Awards aired live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on ABC. The show was hosted by Laney Wilson, Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning.

*Remember: the best way to watch the CMA Awards is on ABC with ToC on your phone.