Trace Adkins on Chris Stapleton: 'He's the Whole Package'

When Chris Stapleton won three trophies at the 2015 CMA Awards this week, fans and artists alike cheered his victory -- including Trace Adkins, who says that the honor is long overdue.

"I’ve been a huge fan of Chris Stapleton for years," Adkins tells The Boot. "I know him, and everybody else in this town already knows him. Everybody outside of Nashville has known him over the last couple years; everybody in this town has known about Chris Stapleton for the last decade.

"That guy is one of the best singers I’ve ever heard, period," Adkins adds. "I’ve cut a lot of his songs. Everybody else has cut a lot of his songs."

Seeing Stapleton win Male Vocalist of the Year especially thrilled Adkins.

"Chris, he’s the whole package: He’s a songwriter and unbelievable singer," Adkins shares. "I couldn’t be more pleased with the way that that turned out. It seemed like, sometimes, the way those award things work, not always the best male vocalist wins Male Vocalist. Well, this time, the best male vocalist won.

"[The win] reflects what everybody else in this town, what we’ve all known for a long time," Adkins continues. "That guy a is super-talented guy, and it’s really good that he got that recognition."

Stapleton also won CMA Awards for New Artist of the Year and Album of the Year, the latter for his debut album, Traveller. See a list of all of the 2015 CMA Award winners here..

Adkins will head to Mohegan Sun in Connecticut on Veterans Day (Nov. 11) to headline Vets Rock, with proceeds benefiting the non-profit organization Til Duty is Done. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.

Trace Adkins on Chris Stapleton: ‘He’s the Whole Package’