Imagine a single acoustic guitar, a powerful voice, and a timeless song—that’s all it took for Stephen Wilson Jr. to captivate the 2025 CMA Awards audience. But here’s where it gets even more remarkable: this New Artist of the Year nominee didn’t just perform Ben E. King’s 1961 classic ‘Stand by Me’—he reinvented it, leaving the crowd at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena in awe. And this is the part most people miss: Wilson’s rendition isn’t just a cover; it’s a deeply personal interpretation that builds on the song’s legacy, which was later immortalized by John Lennon in 1975.
Wilson’s journey with ‘Stand by Me’ began a year ago when his version went viral after a performance on Live at the Print Shop. Since then, the song has become a cornerstone of his repertoire, showcasing his ability to blend raw emotion with technical mastery. Onstage at the CMAs, the Indiana-born artist—who’s also a former boxer and microbiologist—delivered a solo performance that silenced the room and brought fellow artists like Brothers Osborne to their feet. Controversial take? Some might argue that stripping down such an iconic song to its bare essentials is risky, but Wilson’s performance proves that simplicity can be profoundly powerful.
But Wilson didn’t stop there. At this year’s CMA Awards, he pulled double duty, reuniting with Shaboozey to perform their haunting collaboration, ‘Took a Walk.’ The song, written for The Long Walk—a film adaptation of Stephen King’s novel—has already garnered critical acclaim. Both artists are nominated for New Artist of the Year, making their partnership a highlight of the evening.
And here’s where it gets even more intriguing: just a night before the CMAs, Wilson dropped his new single, ‘Gary,’ a heartfelt tribute to the working class and tradespeople. Inspired by his own upbringing in a family of self-taught fixers, Wilson explains, ‘Where I come from, the Garys get it done.’ The song debuted live on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and has already resonated with audiences, celebrating the unsung heroes of everyday life.
Wilson’s whirlwind week continues with two sold-out shows at Nashville’s iconic Ryman Auditorium. Whether he’s reimagining classics or crafting original stories, one thing is clear: Stephen Wilson Jr. is a force to be reckoned with in country music. But what do you think? Does his stripped-down approach to ‘Stand by Me’ honor the original, or does it miss the mark? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
