# Heartbreakers Reunion Surprise

> Chris Stapleton forgot to sing 'American Girl' at Heartbreakers' 24-year reunion, sparking joy and surprise.
- Title: Heartbreakers Reunion Surprise · Variety | Shortify
- Summary: Chris Stapleton forgot to sing 'American Girl' at Heartbreakers' 24-year reunion, sparking joy and surprise. Chris Stapleton forgot to sing the first line of…
- Keywords: tom petty, heartbreakers, chris stapleton, american girl, reunion, ryman auditorium, nashville, entertainment, culture, Surprise, Variety
- Source: Variety — https://variety.com/2026/music/news/heartbreakers-reunion-chris-stapleton-tom-petty-americana-1236866017
- Author: Chris Willman
- Published: 2026-09-17T20:59:21+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: tom petty, heartbreakers, chris stapleton, american girl, reunion, ryman auditorium, nashville, entertainment, culture
## Heartbreakers Reunion
The original Heartbreakers reunited after 24 years at the Ryman Auditorium.
## Surprise Performance
They played three songs: 'American Girl,' 'Breakdown,' and 'You Wreck Me.'
## Chris Stapleton's Moment
Stapleton forgot to sing the first line of 'American Girl' but was enthralled.

> i was so completely enthralled listening to you guys, i forgot to sing.
## Band History
The band hasn't played together since 2002, with some members last performing in 2017.
## Mike Campbell's View
Campbell said Stapleton was hilarious and forgot to sing the first line of 'American Girl.'

> he forgot to sing the first line of the first song, 'american girl.'
## Lynch's Reaction
Lynch said he's emotional and wants to do right for the band next week.

> i want to do right for these guys. i love these guys.
## Key takeaway

Chris Stapleton forgot to sing the first line of 'American Girl' during The Heartbreakers' surprise reunion, but was so enthralled by the band he forgot to sing.