Chris Stapleton Silences the ACM Awards With a Love Song to His Wife Morgane—And the Audience Felt Every Word

The 60th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards brought unforgettable performances and powerful moments, but none more moving than Chris Stapleton’s deeply personal rendition of “It Takes a Woman.” Fresh off his win as Male Artist of the Year, Stapleton stepped onto the stage at the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas, joined by his wife and longtime musical partner, Morgane Stapleton. The result was a breathtaking performance that resonated with every corner of the arena — and with viewers around the world.

Written as a love letter to the woman who shares his life, heart, and harmonies, “It Takes a Woman” is more than a song — it’s a declaration of gratitude, vulnerability, and deep emotional truth.

Stapleton co-wrote the track with Ronnie Bowman and Jerry Salley for his critically acclaimed 2023 album Higher. As the couple performed it live, their emotional and vocal chemistry was undeniable. Morgane’s harmonies didn’t just complement the arrangement — they elevated it, creating a moment that felt both intimate and monumental.

Stapleton wasn’t singing to the crowd — he was singing to her. And in doing so, he sang to anyone who has ever known the power of a loving, supportive relationship.

“It Takes a Woman” — A Song That Wrote Itself

Stapleton has often spoken about the magic behind writing this track. In an interview on The Howard Stern Show, he shared the moment he first played the song for his wife and Bowman’s wife. “They loved it immediately,” he recalled, noting that the lyrics came together naturally — as if the song was waiting to be born.

“Some things feel, when you’re writing them… I wouldn’t say that you know that they’re good, but you know when they’re easy to write, when they write themselves,” Stapleton explained. “This is one of those that kind of wrote itself.”

At its core, “It Takes a Woman” speaks a universal truth: behind every strong man is often a stronger woman — one who brings clarity, strength, and unconditional support. Stapleton’s soulful delivery, paired with Morgane’s effortless harmony, reminded audiences why the duo continues to be one of country music’s most beloved creative pairings.

Together, they turned a song into a moment — one that the 2025 ACM Awards will never forget.