Stephen Wilson Jr. Stuns with Solo CMA Awards Performance of “Stand by Me”

Stephen Wilson Jr. made his CMA Awards debut on Wednesday night. The New Artist of the Year nominee delivered a breathtaking solo performance. He captivated the audience at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena with his unique take on a classic song.

He performed a stripped-down version of Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me.” The performance highlighted his raw vocal talent and acoustic guitar skills. According to Rolling Stone, the hush that fell over the crowd was palpable, with fellow artists rising to their feet in appreciation.

A Viral Moment Comes to the CMA Stage

Wilson’s connection to this song is not new. His rendition of “Stand by Me” went viral over a year ago. It gained popularity after a feature on the online series *Live at the Printshop*.

That initial online success led to an official release. Bringing it to the CMA stage was a full-circle moment. The performance solidified his status as a powerful and authentic live performer.

He also performed his collaboration “Took a Walk” with fellow nominee Shaboozey. The song was created for the film adaptation of Stephen King’s novel *The Long Walk*. This dual showcase highlighted his versatility as an artist.

Celebrating the Working Class with New Music

Beyond the awards show, Wilson continues to build momentum. He just released a new track titled “Gary.” The song is a tribute to tradespeople and the working class.

He explained the inspiration behind the song to Rolling Stone. Wilson grew up in an environment where fixing things yourself was a necessity. The song honors the “Garys” who can always get the job done.

He gave the live debut of “Gary” on *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* earlier this week. His upcoming sold-out shows at the Ryman Auditorium confirm his rising star power. Wilson’s blend of grit and melody clearly resonates with a wide audience.

Stephen Wilson Jr.’s CMA Awards performance was a standout moment of the night. His authentic style and powerful vocals left a lasting impression. This performance firmly places him as a significant new voice in the genre.

Thought you’d like to know

What song did Stephen Wilson Jr. perform at the CMAs?

He performed a solo acoustic version of “Stand by Me.” The song was originally made famous by Ben E. King in 1961. His own version previously went viral online.

Was Stephen Wilson Jr. nominated for a CMA Award?

Yes, he was nominated for New Artist of the Year. He shared the category with his performance partner, Shaboozey. The award was presented during the same ceremony.

What is Stephen Wilson Jr.’s new song called?

His new song is titled “Gary.” It was released just ahead of his CMA performance. The song is a tribute to blue-collar workers and tradespeople.

Where did Stephen Wilson Jr. debut his new song live?

He first performed “Gary” on *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* this week. This television appearance happened just one night before the CMA Awards. It served as a perfect promo for his new music.

What is Stephen Wilson Jr.’s background?

Before music, he was a boxer and a microbiologist. He is originally from Indiana. His unique path informs the gritty, authentic style of his songwriting.