2021 ACM Awards: Chris Stapleton Maggie’s Song performance was pawfect

The 2021 ACM Awards (Academy of Country Music Awards) were held on Sunday night, April 18, broadcast on CBS, and among the live performances was Chris Stapleton performing his song “Maggie’s Song,” which appeared on his newest album Starting Over.

The 2021 ACM Awards featured plenty of dog lovers earning nominations and taking home trophies, providing a preview of what viewers can expect at the CMA Awards later this year.

As big fans of music in general, especially country music, we here at Dog O’Day appreciated this tribute to a beloved canine, though Wesley did not see it live as American Idol was still going on at the time. However, the country music news site The Boot had it covered.

This performance was especially touching, however, as it became a surprise duet with Miranda Lambert, longtime animal advocate.

Chris Stapleton Maggie’s Song performance was amazing.

“Maggie’s Song” tells the life story of the Stapleton family dog, who was rescued as a “fuzzy black pup” from a shopping cart and lived to be 14 years old, crossing Over the Rainbow Bridge in 2019. According to the lyrics, she loved to chase squirrels and romps in the snow during wintertime.

Due to COVID-19 precautions, performers were scattered across several different locations, with Stapleton singing at the famous Bluebird Cafe, where many a star has gotten their start (and incidentally inspiring Lambert’s song “Bluebird”). Originally Stapleton’s wife and frequent collaborator Morgane was supposed to join him in the song, but when she was unable to attend due to prior commitments Lambert filled in at the last minute.

The acoustic arrangement and intimate setting worked well for the tearful goodbye, making the message all the more poignant.

In other canine-adjacent news from the 2021 ACM Awards, Blake Shelton performed a medley of his hits throughout the years (though “Old Red” wasn’t included), and Lambert also performed, while Brad Paisley, who has two dogs named Hoot and Annie with his actress wife Kim, didn’t have a solo song of his own, he did sing a duet with Jimmie Allen, and Julian’s dad Keith Urban was one of the show’s co-hosts along with Mickey Guyton.

Stapleton’s Starting Over was named Album of the Year, while Thomas Rhett, who contributed to the SCOOB soundtrack, was named Male Artist of the Year and Idol judge Luke Bryan (who also has at least one song about dogs) was named Entertainer of the Year.

Congratulations to all the winners and nominees.