Luke Bryan has revealed an unexpected detail about performing with Chris Stapleton. The country star said Stapleton has a habit of watching another singer’s lips while they perform together. Bryan noticed the unusual technique during a recent Nashville show and admitted that Stapleton’s intense focus made their duet surprisingly intimidating.
Luke Bryan says Chris Stapleton’s onstage habit is ‘very intimidating’
Bryan shared the story during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. He reflected on his recent Luke Bryan & Friends concert, the sold-out event at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
The Sept. 24 show featured several major country stars, including Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, Darius Rucker, Kane Brown and Dierks Bentley. However, Bryan appeared especially excited about sharing the stage with Chris Stapleton.
The pair performed “Drink a Beer,” which Stapleton co-wrote with Jim Beavers. Stapleton also sang background vocals on Bryan’s original 2013 recording.
Bryan called the duet a rare “intimate moment” between them. That was also when he noticed Stapleton’s unusual performance habit.
Bryan said Stapleton “really stares at you” while singing because he watches the other performer’s lips. The close attention caught Bryan off guard.
“It’s very intimidating,” Bryan joked. He then admitted that the experience also had an unexpected effect on him, saying he felt himself “kind of falling in love.”
Bryan went on to call Stapleton his favorite singer and placed him at No. 1 on his personal country music “Mount Rushmore.”
His admiration is hardly new. Stapleton has built a reputation for emotional live performances and powerful vocals. In February, he even left Travis Kelce emotional during a New Heights appearance.
For Bryan, though, the Nashville duet offered a closer look at how Stapleton approaches another singer onstage.
