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Stephen Wilson Jr. performed a staggering cover of "Stand by Me" at the 2025 CMA Awards.

The New Artist of the Year nominee brought country's biggest stars to their feet.

The cover is a tribute to Stephen's dad, who died several years ago.

All Stephen Wilson Jr. brought to the 2025 C MA Awards was a guitar. He left with a standing ovation.

The New Artist of the Year nominee pulled out a cover for his inaugural performance on Country Music's Biggest Night: Ben E. King's 1960s classic "Stand by Me."

In moody lighting on a small stage that jutted into the crowd, Stephen gave an intimate performance that sounded nothing like the original song, in a very good way. It was just him, his guitar, a microphone and a whole lot of heart.

It was gritty, it was r

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