Chris Stapleton Captures Audience With Raw Cover of Prince’s ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’

A Prince tune from 1985 may seem like an odd choice for Chris Stapleton to perform, but the raspy singer-songwriter brought his own style to the iconic tune 'Nothing Compares 2 U' at a show Saturday night (April 23) in honor of the legendary pop artist, who died on April 21.

The ballad — later made popular by Sinead O’Connor — is a bluesy lament, and the desperation in Stapleton’s gritty tone melds with it perfectly. The country artist cuts no corners with the song, beginning in a high register and staying there for the duration. The audience at the Berkeley, Calif., concert was clearly captivated by the raw emotion and talent displayed by Stapleton, as the venue was nearly silent, save for a few excited hoops and hollers after particularly impressive notes.

Stapleton executed the song with a stunning grace and respect for the original, still managing to make it sound like it could be his own. The cover may have surprised fans, though, as he told Rolling Stone Country recently, he wasn’t sure he’d ever venture a song by the icon.

"He's a tough one to cover. There's a lot going on there. He had a lot of range," Stapleton said.

He must have decided it was worth a try, and fans are sure glad he did.

Stapleton has been on the ride of his life over the past nine months or so, having been thrust into the spotlight after spending much of his career behind the scenes. His album Traveller has garnered the artist a slew of awards, including Grammys, and most recently, six ACM Awards. He also brought down the house at the ACMs with his tune "Fire Away" alongside his wife and background vocalist Morgane.

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