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Country Stars Sing King's Dystopian Tale
20 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Shaboozey and Wilson Jr. performed a ballad for The Long Walk.
- The song ties into a Stephen King movie adaptation about a deadly contest.
- Wilson Jr. also performed Ben E. King's 'Stand By Me,' linking to King's work.
Country music stars Shaboozey and Stephen Wilson Jr. captivated the CMA Awards audience with a moving performance of their song "Took a Walk." The ballad serves as a musical piece for the film adaptation of Stephen King's novel, "The Long Walk," a story set in a dystopian society where young men compete in a grueling, multi-day walking contest.
Wilson Jr. also treated the crowd to a solo rendition of Ben E. King's "Stand By Me." He explained the performance's connection to Stephen King, noting that the movie "Stand By Me" was based on King's short story "The Body." This thematic link underscores Wilson Jr.'s lifelong fascination with King's narratives.
Both artists were nominated for New Artist of the Year at the ceremony, though the award was ultimately presented to Zach Top. Shaboozey also shared that his upcoming album will explore themes of femininity, described as a Western concept album, adding another layer to his evolving artistic expression.
