Chris Stapleton Delivers a Soul-Shaking Performance on Austin City Limits—A Masterclass in Raw Emotion

Chris Stapleton didn’t just take the stage on Austin City Limits—he commanded it. With a voice as rugged as the open road yet smooth as aged whiskey, he bared his soul in South Dakota and It Takes a Woman, transforming each lyric into an unfiltered dose of truth. The audience hung on every syllable, feeling the weight of his storytelling settle deep in their bones. This wasn’t just another set—it was an emotional journey, a lesson in raw, unapologetic artistry. And as the final note faded, one thing was clear: Chris Stapleton had just delivered a performance for the ages.

Chris Stapleton never does anything halfway, and his latest appearance on Austin City Limits proves just that.

The long-running PBS show is celebrating its 50th anniversary season, and they brought out some of the best in the business—including Stapleton, who delivered two powerhouse performances that aired this weekend.

Performing “South Dakota” and “It Takes a Woman” from his 2024 album Higher, Stapleton gave fans the raw, soulful, and vocally insane performance that reminds everyone why he’s one of the best to ever do it.

Stapleton Brings the House Down with “South Dakota”

Let’s start with “South Dakota”—a song that already packs a punch in its studio version, but live? Whole different beast.

Backed by his signature gritty guitar and that thunderous, whiskey-soaked voice, Stapleton turned up the heat with an electric performance that shook the ACL stage. It’s one of the Higher album’s grittiest tracks, and he delivered every line as he meant it.

And, of course, Stapleton’s wife, Morgane Stapleton, was right there with him, crushing the background vocals. At this point, their harmonies are as much a part of his sound as the man himself.

A Heartfelt Moment with “It Takes a Woman”

If “South Dakota” was all fire and grit, “It Takes a Woman” was the opposite—pure, heartfelt, and absolutely beautiful.

A love letter to the kind of woman standing beside you through it all, Stapleton’s delivery was filled with emotion, and Morgane’s harmonies only made it much more powerful. The song highlights his ability to strip things down and let the lyrics do the heavy lifting, and on the ACL stage, it felt even more personal.

A Legendary Stage for a Legendary Artist

There’s something about Austin City Limits that hits differently. As PBS recounts, Austin City Limits first aired in 1974, kicking off its legendary run with a pilot episode starring Willie Nelson.

Plenty of variety shows have come and gone over the years. However, ACL still stands 50 seasons later, and performances like Chris Stapleton‘s remind us why. It’s an artist’s stage where musicians aren’t just performing; they’re showcasing their craft in its purest form.

Other artists featured in this milestone season include Kacey Musgraves, Gary Clark Jr., The War and Treaty, and The Avett Brothers, with upcoming performances from Sturgill Simpson (as Johnny Blue Skies) and Willie Nelson & Family still to come.

And if you weren’t convinced that Higher is one of the best country albums of the year, these performances should seal the deal.