The Ryman Auditorium got thrown a curveball on Wednesday night (June 10) during Marty Stuart's Late Night Jam, when country rocker Eric Church mellowed out the crowd with a cover of "Girl Crush."

Church brought out the big hitter Chris Stapleton, who opened up for him on his recent The Outsiders world tour, to perform the song that has caused quite the conversation since its release. The performers of the controversy-starting tune, Little Big Town, were also represented when Phillip Sweet and Karen Fairchild were brought up on stage to create the perfect harmony for the performance that brought an entire crowd to its feet.

Country renegade Church let out his softer side when he strummed the opening lines and began to sing the soft, sultry song. Fairchild took center stage to finish the rest of the tune, creating a perfect balance that wouldn't be seen anywhere other than Music City.

"Girl Crush" received alleged backlash for supposedly "supporting the gay agenda" when released as a radio single earlier this year. That controversy may have been the fuel to the fire the song needed to make it a breakout hit that has become widely supported by country stars such as Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert, as well as radio stations.

The hit has also inspired a heartfelt cover from recent The Voice runner-up Meghan Linsey and another version from Kelly Clarkson. Faith Hill got in on the "Girl Crush" trend by accompanying Little Big Town on the song when they performed it at this year's Billboard Music Awards.

See Eric Church + Other Country Stars' Real Names

More From KLAW-FM