CMA Awards: Watch Chris Stapleton’s Chilling Performance Of “What Am I Gonna Do”

Chris Stapleton and Morgane Stapleton performing at the 58th Annual CMA Awards

Theo Wargo/Getty Images

Chris Stapleton performed “What Am I Gonna Do” at the 2024 CMA Awards on Wednesday, November 20. 

The “White Horse” singer opened the CMA Awards for the first time everHe gave an incredible performance of his “California Sober” duet with Post Malone.

Post Malone’s debut country album, F-1 Trillion, included the song. The critically acclaimed album reached number one on the Top Country Albums chart, Billboard 200, and several other foreign charts. F-1 Trillion also features collaborations with Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Morgan Wallen, Hank Williams Jr., Dolly Parton, and many more.

The cover art for Post Malone’s debut country album “F-1 Trillion.”
gonzalolebrija via Post Malone / Facebook 

After performing with Post Malone, taking home two CMA Awards, also performed “What Am I Gonna Do,” a song off his award-nominated album Higher.

Chris Stapleton "Higher" album
Amazon Music

Stapleton wrote “What Am I Gonna Do” with Miranda Lambert.

They first performed it together on August 24, 2024, over ten months after the album was released.

Lambert joined Stapleton on stage at Minute Maid Park for his The All-American Road Show tour. The “Wranglers” singer opened the show for Stapleton, but joined him during the headlining set to perform their song for the first time ever.

The emotional song narrates the story of a heartbreaking breakup, following a man who can’t imagine life without the woman he loves. Consumed by the pain of losing her, he seeks solace in alcohol, unable to let go of the anguish or move forward.

@heatherb_tx Chris Stapleton and Miranda Lambert duet last night was amazing #chrisstapleton #mirandalambert #whatamigonnado ♬ original sound – Heatherb_tx

Stapleton returned to the CMA stage to perform “What Am I Gonna Do.”

As always, Stapleton performed with his wife, Morgane, who delivered chilling harmonies on top of her husband’s soulful melodies and insane runs.

Chris Stapleton and Morgane Stapleton performing at the 58th Annual CMA Awards
Theo Wargo/Getty Images

It’s no wonder why he has taken home so many awards so far. His vocals are unmatched. Watch Stapleton’s incredible performance below.