Stephen Wilson Jr.'s Unforgettable Night at the CMA Awards

A Soulful Reimagining of a Classic at the CMA Awards

Stephen Wilson Jr. graced the CMA Awards stage on Wednesday evening, delivering a mesmerizing performance of "Stand by Me." His innovative take on Ben E. King's 1961 anthem, famously covered by John Lennon in 1975, resonated deeply with attendees, silencing the bustling Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.

The Viral Journey to the Main Stage

Wilson's powerful interpretation of "Stand by Me" gained significant traction a year prior, after a viral appearance on the web series Live at the Print Shop. The overwhelming positive reception prompted him to officially release the recording shortly thereafter, setting the stage for his CMA debut.

A Solo Performance That Stirred Emotions

The Indiana native, a former boxer and microbiologist, commanded the stage alone, accompanying himself on an acoustic guitar. His raw and emotional delivery brought many of his peers, including the duo Brothers Osborne, to their feet in appreciation of his remarkable talent.

Double the Impact: Collaborations and New Releases

Wilson's presence at this year's CMA Awards extends beyond his solo performance. He also reunited with Shaboozey to perform their collaborative track, "Took a Walk." This evocative song was specially crafted and recorded for The Long Walk, a film adaptation of Stephen King's novel that premiered in cinemas last September. Both Wilson and Shaboozey are distinguished nominees for the prestigious CMA New Artist of the Year award.

Celebrating the Working Class with "Gary"

The night before his CMA performance, Wilson unveiled his new song, "Gary," a heartfelt tribute to tradespeople and the blue-collar workforce. Sharing insights into the song's inspiration, Wilson revealed, "I grew up in a body shop. My family, every one of them can fix anything, not because they’re just like these mechanical geniuses, but because they just had to fix everything. There’s no money to hire somebody to fix something, so you just got to learn how to fix it. And where I come from, the Garys, they get it done. It’s like, ‘Man, you’re gonna need to call Gary.’"

Live Debut and Upcoming Engagements

Wilson first performed "Gary" live on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Tuesday night, showcasing its compelling narrative and musicality. Fans will have further opportunities to experience his artistry as he is scheduled to headline two sold-out concerts at Nashville's esteemed Ryman Auditorium on Sunday and Monday.