Country Star Leaves Fans Stunned With a ‘Surreal’ Rendition of the ’60s Classic “Stand By Me,” Sparking Praise as the Genre’s Most Underrated Voice.LC
Stephen Wilson Jr. left fans at the CMA Awards floored with his rendition of the 1961 song “Stand By Me”.
The iconic Ben E. King tune has been popular for decades, spawning many renditions, though it has a special meaning for Wilson, thanks to his journey as a singer-songwriter, his love of Stephen King, and the cult classic Stand By Me movie.
Stephen Wilson Jr Wows With His Performance of Ben E. King Hit
Taking the stage at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, dressed in black, Wilson performed “Stand By Me” like fans had never heard before. The audience at the CMAs was captivated by Wilson from the second he took the stage.
Wilson’s performance was featured on the CMA’s official Instagram, where fans flocked to the comments to give him his props.
Several famous faces were the first to sing Wilson’s praises. “Stephen , you are a light” wrote Rita Wilson. 9-1-1: Nashville star LeAnn Rimes declared, “now, that is REAL ❤️,” while Brandi Carlile said, “This was UNREAL 🔥.”
Dan + Shay’sShay Mooney called it, “BEST MOMENT OF THE NIGHT PERIOD. @stephen.wilson.jr.” Hayes Carll shared, “What a powerful performance! Bravo, my friend,” and Natalie Hemby insisted, “My favorite 🙌.”
One fan shared, “Literally the most underrated artist of our time @steven.wilsonre Seeing him live is a special thing. 🔥🙌.” A different fan spilled, “Just a guitar, amazing voice and a light. No fire, autotune, band, backup singers or dancers. Just pure talent on full display. Doesn’t get any more intimate than that! Bravo sir!”
“A surprising, surreal experience. I had not heard of this guy and this performance was captivating,” expressed a fan, as another wrote “the most inspiring act of the night by far. @stephen.wilson.jr you’re a force.”
Wilson was called “An American treasure, who’s finally getting his due…….Brilliantly done SWJ.”
“This moment was CRAZY! No one like you @stephen.wilson.jr,” wrote another fan.
“Dude OWNED his moment big time. So good!!!!!!” insisted one, with another calling it “His Stapleton moment for sure!!!!!!
More fan comments included, “EPIC! ❤️👏” “This was absolutely incredible” and “Favorite song of the night 🙌❤️.”
Related: Reba McEntire Remembers ‘The First One’ To Send Message To CMA Host Lainey Wilson
Country Sensation Stephen Wilson Jr. Reveals Why ‘Stand By Me’ Is Important to Him
Ahead of his awe-inspiring performance, Wilson spoke to Billboard magazine on the red carpet to reveal why he chose to sing “Stand By Me” at the awards show.
“I’m a big Stephen King fan. I play this song called ‘Stand By Me,’ which I’m playing tonight as well, because of a movie called Stand By Me based off a Stephen King [story called The Body],” Wilson revealed.
The singer went on to add that his father’s death also had an impact on Wilson’s feelings about the song.
“It’s been haunting me my whole life. I started playing this song after my dad died to kinda bring him back. I turned it into a hymn for me. And then fast-forward these years later, I get invited to sing this song and write this song with Shaboozey for a Stephen King movie called The Long Walk and here we are playing both of those songs. The world is weird, life is weird and I’m just here for it,” the singer said.
Wilson Jr. certainly left his mark on the CMAs with his performance that fans won’t soon forget.
Next: Madonna Reveals the Surprising Injuries She Hid While Filming ‘Confessions’ 20 Years Ago
This story was originally reported by Parade on Nov 20, 2025, where it first appeared in the Celebs section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
