![Chris Stapleton Wins New Artist of the Year at the 2015 CMA Awards](http://townsquare.media/site/623/files/2015/11/chris-stapleton-2015-cma-awards-new-artist-of-the-year-win.jpg?w=630&h=420&zc=1&s=0&a=t&q=89&w=980&q=75)
Chris Stapleton Wins New Artist of the Year at the 2015 CMA Awards
Chris Stapleton has written a slew of hit songs for other country acts. But the seasoned musician finally had his own day in the sun at the 2015 CMA Awards, when he picked up the award for New Artist of the Year, beating out Sam Hunt, Maddie & Tae, Thomas Rhett and Kelsea Ballerini for the honor.
"I don't know what to say," Stapleton said once he got on stage, and he did indeed seem at a loss for words, shaking his head as he looked at the award in his hand. "Thank you very much. There's a lot of great artists in that category. I've worked hard a lot of years for this."
He thanked his wife, Morgane -- "The best parts of me come from her" -- and his label before once again seeming speechless.
"This is an absolute thrill," Stapleton said. "Thank you very much."
Stapleton's debut record, Traveller, was released in early May on Mercury Nashville. The 14-track record peaked at No. 2 on the country charts and No. 14 on the Billboard 200.
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