Justin Timberlake, Chris Stapleton rocked the CMAs

Stapleton is not typically associated with the stars of country music, but he is highly recognized by those in the profession.

“Thank you Lord, thank you Jesus, thank you everyone in heaven looking out for me”, Bryan said. “And sometimes those songs are for me, and sometimes they’re for other people”.

Chris Stapleton stole the show at the CMA Awards on Wednesday night, winning best new artist, best album for Traveller, and best male vocalist, then bringing the house down with his performance (complete with Justin Timberlake cameo) of Tennessee Whiskey. For years, Stapleton has been writing hits for artists like George Strait and Kenny Chesney. “I want to thank my wife, the best parts of me came from her”.

The former boyband heart-throb might not be known for the twang common in his southern roots, but Justin Timberlake proved on the stage of the 49th annual Country Music Awards Wednesday night that he can sing the country blues like any good Tennessean.

Justin Timberlake performs January 22, 2014 during The 20/20 Experience World Tour at Pepsi Center.

Country music fans may have not been familiar with the name Chris Stapleton before the CMA Awards ceremony on November 4. “This is unbelievable. I don’t know what to say”. In an obvious reference to her divorce fromBlake Shelton this past July, Miranda confessed, “I appreciate it. I needed a bright spot this year”. “Just tell me when to show up”. The award night was hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood. Paisley replied as the camera panned to Shelton, who laughed and clapped his hands along with the audience. The daggers we heard they’d be throwing at Blake Shelton turned out to be made of rubber. Paisley asked. Underwood replied: “That was with Ashley Monroe”.

“Girl Crush”, which has sold 1.8 million tracks and topped Billboard’s Hot Country songs chart, is about a woman who is obsessed with another woman because she’s with the guy she desires. The Vocal Duo of the Year title went to Florida Georgia Line. Song of the Year went to the writers of “Girl Crush”, Liz Rose, Lori McKenna and Hillary Lindsey.

“This is about being courageous and being bold”, Karen Fairchild said. “Girl” had previously met with controversy over lyrics that a few interpreted as discussing LGBT topics and a few country music radio stations refused to play the song.