TIME STAMPS - 0:51 Performance 3:33 Analysis Start 4:31 Artistic Freedom & Expression 6:18 Quality Mix 7:09 Chris' Vocal Run 10:01 Vocal Ranges 12:23 Chris' Lead Subtlety 16:02 Performance Resumption 21:29 Analysis Resumption 22:13 Multitude of Genres 24:12 Justin Vocal Lead Run!

You know it's a great performance when the backup singers and band are enjoying it as much as the audience .

In my opinion, this has got to be one of the best award show performances ever. It lit the fuse for the rocket ship that is Chris Stapleton's music career. He was Nashville's best kept secret for many years and this pulled the curtain back and let the world know who he was. I guarantee that every single musician in that audience was well aware of who he was and you could see the adulation on their faces as they watched this performance knowing full and well that now everyone would know what they already knew. Chris is an incredible artist and an even better human being. I'd be remiss if I didn't give Justin Timberlake his due as well. He is such a phenomenal musician and performer, he could have easily stolen the show but its so obvious that his entire intent was to be there in support of Chris. He was in complete control of that performance from start to finish but never made it about himself. So cool.

A shout out to Chris's wife singing back-up!

If that wasn’t the last performance of the night I feel bad for whoever had to follow this. Damn..

Chris Stapleton has that voice of gravel poured over with Grande Mariner Liquor!

This has to be the greatest live collaboration! Chris’ voice is insane, how he pushes it to edge without it breaking is phenomenal. Morgan should always get a mention for the harmonies, she’s got a killer voice in her own right! Love that moment where Chris steps to the mic and then just points at JT ‘nah you take it’. Keith Urban’s reaction says it all! And the guy from Little Big Town losing it too. Can’t watch that performance enough!!!

Stapleton's wife is a major contributor but never gets enough acclamation

I remember watching this performance in real time, and could feel the pure magic coming through the TV screen! Justin's always had a bit of soul in his music, and Chris Stapleton, with his country rock blues sort of sound, is one of my absolute favorites. It's comforting to know that great music and musicianship isn't completely dead. They took me to church 🎶🎶🎸👍

Alot of people forget that JT was born in Memphis and grew up on country music along with other genres. I love it when people cross over so smoothly.

This is a performance you never want to end.

If you know Chris it feels like a whisper, he could have opened up and make Justin's voice seem small, but he didn't, what a guy.

Fil, this performance really shows the 2.5 hour driving distance between Memphis and Nashville in TN! What a crazy musical difference between the two cities! Blues/RB vs Country and yet they both cross over and blend well! I'm a Memphis girl but appreciate what Nashville has to offer! A great performance between two amazing artists! : - )

The command of the band by JT…he is an entertainer in the moment. He breathes it. Unbelievable talent all of them

The reaction of the band members to what's happening on that stage pretty much expresses how I feel every time I watch this! Thx Fil. Tight band. Guitarist behind Justin, Mike Scott, played with Prince for a lotta years. Love hearing them appreciating what's happening there!!

This is what you call being taken to church. Love this performance.

Speaking of the band we'd be remiss to not mention Chris's Wife Morgan on the background vocals she's dynamite as well!

Such a great performance. I’ve never been a Justin fan but he does this song justice-and that’s saying a lot. Chris is, as always, mind blowing. Oh, and you? As informative as ever. Always a pleasure to hear your take on what we hear. I never fail to learn something. Thanks.

Great to watch an artist's break out performance, which this was for Stapleton. Even though he was up for a CMA award he wasn't that well known. In an interview afterwards he mentioned that his wife suggested that he ask Timberlake, whom he knew from his songwriting days and became friends with, to perform with him. What a performance it turned out to be

"where do you start?" Exactly Fil. This is excellent music, voices and arrangements at it's finest. The energy on that stage and in that room, Chris, Justin, Morgan, the other musicians, backup singers is so amazing that you can't describe it to someone who hasn't experienced it. A friend played it for me. I have now watched it countless times. Every time I notice something new. Fil, you pointed out several other new things. A multi layered performance to be sure. and an excellent analysis.

Don't forget Chris' wife Morgane as back up singer on the right. She is Fantastic. I am from Memphis and when JT said do you mind if I bring some Memphis up in here? He sure did. The horns, the choir, the organ, and they Both have the Blues. The best...

This was wonderful I love Chris Stapleton's voice and this song. A duo I never thought I'd see on stage really knocked out of the park!

I am not sure how to label this musically but I know it is one of my favorite performances ever. I have never been a big fan of JT til I saw this. It takes a lot of talent to stand toe to toe with Chris.

"It's just art." Well said. This is a 30-minute Master Class in performance art on every level I can think of.

CHRIS WENT FROM WRITING SONG'S TO SINGING WOW SO SOUL TOUCHING TO HEAR HIS VOICE ❤🎵🎶📣

Still get chills everytime...One of the best performances ive ever seen....just feeds the soul so much

One of the best performance ever, incredible voices mixing in together. That performance put Chris Stapleton on the map, into superstardom in country music!

I can not hit that THUMBS UP enough..great moment

Chris Stapleton is so awesome !! He has the best country songs !!! 💗 Thank you Fil for this analysis ! You're the best !!!!😊

Not a mention of that lady's Killin harmony really top notch makes the whole thing beautyfull .bad ass . Chris is one of the best.

I always thought of Chris as a country singer. He's really a blues singer who leans a little toward country. I like him a LOT.

the DYNAMICS are exquisite, I love every time that gets mentioned, the use of power/volume/intensity that gets used is something I love so much in music that never gets talked about but is SO important to making great tracks.

One of my favorite award show performances EVER. I’ve seen Chris Stapleton in concert twice. Amazing both times. Great analysis!

I frickin love this collaboration! I’ve watched it so many times, and still I get goosebumps. Chris Stapleton is a truly magnificent musician 💜

Gives me chills every time I watch this!! Chris is amazing and Justin blew me away with his performance on this one!! Pure perfection!!! ❤️

One of my favorite parts of the original video that emphasizes the improvised nature of the second song is Morgan’s on stage reaction at around 6:45 after Chris hits a big phrase. Her reaction is one of someone who clearly was not expecting what just happened. But then she recomposes herself and gets back to the song like a pro.

Love Chris Stapleton. Great artist.....

That face of Keith Urban: damn! Wish I was up there too!

It was lovely to see Justin using his charisma as a seasoned performer to set the mood, with Chris taking the vocal spot and the band as tight as ever. A masterpiece.

My favorite thing about this performance is the fact that you have 3 very talented songwriters providing the 3 lead vocals, and they clearly enjoy playing together and supporting each other when it is time for one of them to shine.

Justin is a sensational producer.. sure he directed this.. he was in constant contact with the bands ... he has such a great ear.

I think all the subtlety comes from the musicians respecting each another’s chops and putting the song ahead of the parts. Watch their live version of “say something” on Jimmy Fallon’s show for similar good taste and playing

Chris Stapleton is from my home state of Kentucky.He makes me proud to be a Kentuckian. 💛

What a brilliant collaboration. Who would have guessed? Chris's voice always amazes me. So glad he finally went to singing his own music. As always Fil, you're knowledge and love of music always comes through. ❤

Chris is so smooth, he could slide uphill 😏

One of my most top favorite performances ever! Knocked my socks of the first time and still to this day.

Sorry, I forgot to say, THIS VIDEO SHOULD BE SEEN BY A MILLION PEOPLE 👍 So good 😊 Thank you 🙏 👍👍👍👍❤️👍👍👍👍❤️👍👍👍❤️👍👍

Great duo. Smooth as Tennessee whiskey.

Heard all the reactions to this performance but once again yours is top notch!

The band is AMAZING!! The layering, the timing, then following the singers while they improvise...The horns. The piano too wow!! That's what it should it be..fun. When a performer is in the moment they improvise. I love seeing them having fun! In background you can here the guys in the band saying " sing it! " Awesome how there all in it. Btw, I love the information that you provide. Keep it up. Thank you

Thanks for analyzing the amazing performance of Chris Stapleton and Justin Timberlake. I appreciated the ways you provided thorough and informative ways in showing how quality is better than quantity--you emphasized that there was so much quality in this performance. I loved what you said about the performance being art--I fully agree with you. I believe the performance shows how music can be powerful and bring people together. Again, thanks for a great analysis, and thanks for what you do, Fil!

Wow just wow!! Brilliant Of course Chris's voice is as warm as Whiskey. Justin wow, Chris's wife and the band. Legend.. Love this song. Thank you Fil.

I watched this at the time it was on tv and was blown away. Chris Stapleton was fantastic but throw in JT and his band and those horns and it was spectacular!

Love the break down. Not sure how many times I’ve watched this performance but it never fails to delight. Magic.

Glad to see another analysis of Chris. He kind of flies under the radar with mainstream music. His latest song “Starting over” is probably the best song out right now in any genre. Would love to see an analysis of that. Not sure if there is a live version yet due to pandemic restrictions but his official video for it is like a live version in studio. The way the bass comes in during the second verse is really cool as well. Thanks for this one.

Great reaction to a great performance I just discovered! As my grandma would say : "this is how it's done" !

Chris is now my new "Favorite", one of several favorites. Sadly, over the years there have been a growing number of empty slots, as the old school "Favorites" steadily pass away. Chris fills the spot that was until recently occupied by Gregg Allman. It's comforting to know that the young folks are just as talented as ever! Glad to see Chris beginning to enjoy the fruits of his success! And, a bit off-topic, but I was pleased to see another kid being recognized, as well. I refer, of course to Billy Strings, who just won the Grammy for Bluegrass Album of the Year. Looking forward to many years of listening to these folks! And I count on you, Fil, to keep finding other young folks for me to get hooked on! Thanks, as always, for the great vid!

You're gorgeous! But seriously, your analysis and interpretations are so 'spot on' and beautifully relayed, it makes me appreciate this performance even more than I did originally. Thank you, Fil!

Two amazing artists that have pure soul as their backbones. This performance truly shows that. Simply goes back to the fact that soul is the father of all music. In modern music, any genre, outside of a pure gospel song, they all go back to soul, and even then, much of gospel, yeah it goes there too.

Thanks Fil ! Love 💗Chris and Morgane Stapleton!

Love your analysis. You nail what it means to play with other gifted musicians. Everyone raises everyone up. The sum becomes magically more than any of the parts.

Hey Fil, I am new to your channel. Absolutely love it and I neither play or sing. I just watched your past analysis on several Roy Clark videos. Exciting to hear you, well, analyze these performers and their singing and playing. This 64 year old has lots of catching up to do! Thanks and looking forward to much more from you.

Thank you for adding that nobody knows what it means the band is one thing some people just get together? My cousin rest her soul when we got together we always brought the house down !

I typed in Tennessee Whiskey and this what I found...I'm totally blown away by this performance..wish I was in that audience just feeling it...masterclass playing and singing. Thanks for the analysis- your insights captured my feelings about this whole performance. Cheers

I love the expressions of all the band members, you can tell they are having a great time!

Amazing breakdown, loved every minute of it!

Never seen this performance very cool. top notch analysis Fil 👍 thanks !

Oh my goodness this is so great !!!! Love it !!!!!

The harmonies through all the vocal flips is incredible!

One of the greatest performances I've ever seen! Smashing!

Wow...what a performance... bravo!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 You done a great analyzing this phenomenal performance. One of the best duo performances I've seen!❤🤠🎸🎶

Fil, I loved it instantly when I heard it the first time years ago. Can't help but love it even more when you tell me why I loved it so much. Look what it did for everyone there live.

As always Phil, dead on, nailed it!

Your analysis gave an even greater appreciation of the performance! And the sheer joy on your face as you watched and listened to it was so endearing to see. Thank you for the music lesson in happiness!

That tune just moves them and they really feel it! They're at church!!

Well, I am completely impressed. I had to watch it again all the way through and watch them and the audience interact. Don't you just love it when everything is just a perfect storm. I wish I had been there. I also enjoyed watching Fil because he was definitely excited about this performance. Thanks for analyzing this one.

Wings of Pegasus you’re right on the money and I love your real critique and reaction!!! This is one of the best versions to watch! I will never tire of watching people react to Chris Stapleton! His voice is like buttery biscuits and gravy! Not enough people give Justin enough credit for how incredibly talented he is not just with vocals but instruments! Then you add Chris’ wife on top of that, she’s amazing and their voices blend perfectly!! Watch the Austin city limits performance if you can. Also good is sometimes I cry! Keep it up! I love great reactions from people who take the time to appreciate vocals, lyrics, musicianship and break it down!

Sometimes the oddest ingredients make the most tasty dishes! Cool and informative analysis, thanks!

This collab makes me feel fabulous.

Well said. The pocket is incredible on both songs Just the non verbal communication of enjoyment between bandmates with smiles and head nodding

I've been watching a lot of reaction/lesson videos of this performance that I thought were so cool. This is the best one by far!

First I love crazy collaborations. What a terrific performance. Great energy from the stage and from the audience. I like that justin didn't try to sound country. He sounded to me more bluesy/r&b. Taj farrant's instrumental version turned me on to the beauty of this song.

Absolutely love this song and absolutely loved the clip I saw of the two of them singing it together.

Been rewatching this clip regularly for years, but really love this very professional and intricate analysis was genius. Thanks!

Fil, wlhile it doesn't take anybody who understands anything about music to appreciate how fabulous this performances is, a lot of the fun in watching you is your reactions to the pieces you're reviewing. I don't think I've ever seen you as engaged as in this particular video. Your analyses are always professional, but you almost went fanboy on this! Love watching you have fun!

What is so cool is the fact these two were friends and it was Chris’s wife who gave him the idea to have Justin sing with him because he didn’t want to ask anyone. I also think it was his wife that called Justin if remember correctly. This was just brilliant all the way around!

This and Maranda Lambert’s Performing Tin Man at the 2017 ACM Awards are my favorite performances.

I have to say I am astounded by your knowledge and expertise of music, and the way you analyze it is no less than EPIC.

Dude. Hes going to be in your country soon. You're all in for a treat.

It was fun to watch you watch this. 😁

This is one of my favorite performances!!

One of the coolest moments was when, while her accepting her Female of the Year award, Miranda Lambert thanked them. Also, in another review of this performance, someone started naming all of the gospel performers that are in the band. There are very few other live performances I’ve seen that are as good as this, Queen doing the medley in, I think, Live Aid, and Michael Jackson during the Motown 25 (not sure if I have that correct either)

This performance and your analysis is one of my favorites! This song is smokin! 👍🤘

I never get tired of this performance. You are so excited breaking it down . I really enjoyed it. 😊. This was the 1st performance of the night , would you want to go on after 😂😂😂?

This definitely had to be the closing act, I've liked them all for years. I wish the two of them would have gone on to collaborate on a few more pieces, together they are all something really special. Incredibly unique sound, I knew you'd get to this one one day Fil.

At the end of that the announcer stated...”next up when we return, Florida Georgia Line!” Can you imagine a band having to follow that?

Chris is absolutely phenomenal live. I saw a couple of comparison that he was the SRV of country and a lover of him I have to agree. These two have blended true music together. It is a greater love of music. Not per se a genre of music but emotion to the listener.

Great performance and great breakdown. It’s nice to see someone appreciate the amount of artistry on that stage. That was amazing

Love the smoky rasp singing voice of Chris and Justin adds some spice! The backing vocals and band are so tight!! Your analysis is spot on!!

Oh my gosh, I love this song and this duet video! Great pick Fil and yet, another awesome analysis! You rock, Fil! And so does your smile :)