Dua Lipa Takes the Lead: Inside the ACM Awards Surprise Duet with Chris Stapleton

Chris Stapleton Details How Surprise Dua Lipa ACM Awards Duet Came to Be: ‘It Was Her Idea’

Chris Stapleton and Dua Lipa. John Shearer/Getty Images for ACM

Dua Lipa and Chris Stapleton surprised country music fans at the 2024 Academy of Country Music Awards with a duet of Stapleton's song "Think I'm in Love With You."

During Stapleton's performance at The Ford Center in Frisco, Texas on May 16, the audience was taken aback when Lipa, 28, started off the song before Stapleton, 46, joined her on stage.

Stapleton told Entertainment Tonight that the idea to collaborate with Lipa was actually hers. They were approached with the proposal and after some discussion, they both agreed to work on it together.

Initially released as a solo song on Stapleton's 2023 album, "Think I'm in Love With You" took on a different vibe when Lipa got involved. The collaboration resulted in a version of the song that was more stripped-down and sultry.

“We really only kind of put together what we did, like, two days ago,” Stapleton continued. “So, it was kind of a whirlwind of a thing to do — but it was awesome.”

Lipa shared with ET that working with the country star was a big dream of hers. She expressed her admiration for Chris Stapleton and her love for country music. She was thrilled to immerse herself in the world of country music, appreciating the storytelling and passion it embodies. It was a special experience for her.

Lipa mentioned in a different interview with Billboard that they managed to keep the performance a secret by wearing zip-up hoodies and quickly going in and out of the arena.

Chris Stapleton Details How Surprise Dua Lipa ACM Awards Duet Came to Be: ‘It Was Her Idea’

"We were all focused on keeping this a surprise to make the moment even more special," she said. "I'm not sure how we managed to do it, but I'm glad we did."

Stapleton had a successful night at the ceremony, receiving four nominations and winning three awards. He was honored with Artist/Songwriter of the Year, Album of the Year for Higher, and Male Artist of the Year.

During his acceptance speech for Album of the Year, Stapleton expressed his gratitude, saying, "What an honor, thank you." He made sure to thank his producers, including his wife, Morgane Stapleton. Stapleton emphasized their commitment to creating albums that are cohesive bodies of work.

Stapleton and Lipa will have another opportunity to connect this year besides the awards show. They are both scheduled to headline the 2024 Austin City Limits music festival this fall.

Editor's P/S:

The unexpected collaboration between Chris Stapleton and Dua Lipa at the Academy of Country Music Awards was a delightful surprise that showcased the versatility and appeal of both artists. Stapleton's rich vocals blended seamlessly with Lipa's sultry tones, creating a stripped-down, soulful rendition of his hit song "Think I'm in Love With You." The audience's enthusiastic response demonstrated the power of cross-genre collaborations and the ability of music to bring people together.

Despite the secrecy surrounding the performance, Lipa's admiration for country music and her willingness to step outside of her comfort zone highlighted the growing appreciation for the genre beyond its traditional boundaries. The collaboration also served as a reminder of the importance of spontaneity and the ability to create something truly special in the moment.