Fans at Austin City Limits were in for a treat on the first day of Weekend 2 when country legends Chris Stapleton and Willie Nelson kicked off the night with a surprise collaboration for Stapleton’s Friday night performance. As Stapleton took the stage on the American Express stage, he was joined by Austin music legend, Willie Nelson, a fitting homage to Nelson’s deep ties to the “Austin City Limits” brand. Together, they sat on benches with their guitars, surrounded by Stapleton’s band, and performed two iconic Willie Nelson tracks: “Whiskey River” and “Bloody Mary Morning.”

This unexpected duet held extra significance as Nelson, now 91, is in Austin celebrating the 50th anniversary of his debut on the “Austin City Limits” television show, a historic moment in both his career and the city’s music scene. The performance gave fans a heartfelt connection between the past and present of country music, with Nelson’s timeless voice and Stapleton’s rich vocals blending seamlessly.

After Nelson’s departure, Stapleton continued to electrify the crowd with a setlist full of fan favorites, including hits like “Tennessee Whiskey” and “White Horse.” From start to finish it was a stellar and memorable performance that paid tribute to both Nelson’s legacy and Stapleton’s own status as one of country music’s current heavyweights. The opening collaboration was a perfect encapsulation of ACL Fest’s rich tradition of showcasing the best in live music.

For anyone in the crowd, this was a rare and special moment, one that highlighted both the enduring legacy of Willie Nelson and the magnetic presence of Chris Stapleton as a modern country icon. Together, they set the tone for what will undoubtedly be remembered as one of ACL’s standout performances this year.

Check out our photos from the epic collaboration below.

Photos by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration