Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
“The country singer missed the CMAs in both 2024, when he took home Entertainer of the Year, and 2025.”
Morgan Wallen seems to have taken a subtle dig at the CMA Awards.
On Tuesday, Dec. 2, Apple Music posted on Instagram celebrating I’m the Problem as the platform’s most-streamed album of the year. “I’m The Problem by @morganwallen is the year’s most-listened-to project on Apple Music. What’s your top album? #AppleMusicReplay,” the post read.
Wallen, 32, reshared the post to his Instagram Stories with a caption that appeared to reference the CMA Awards. “I like to let my fans do the talking,” he wrote.
The post follows Wallen losing the Entertainer of the Year title at the November ceremony, which he did not attend. Ahead of the show, his frequent collaborator and friend Ernest told Taste of Country that he picked Lainey Wilson, 33, for the honor, and she went on to win. When asked what Wallen thought about the decision, Ernest replied bluntly, “He don’t give a f—. Since when has Morgan given a s—? Who’s making more money doing this than Morgan Wallen? He don’t give a f— about this award. I wouldn’t either if I was Morgan Wallen.”
During a surprise performance at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium last month, Wallen also appeared to take a jab at the awards show, telling the audience, “Yeah, it takes a lot more than an awards show to get me out to Broadway these days, I’ll tell you that,” according to fan-captured footage on TikTok.
This isn’t the first time Wallen skipped the CMA Awards. He was also absent in November 2024 when he won Entertainer of the Year, with Jeff Bridges accepting the award on his behalf. “Morgan couldn’t make it tonight, so I’m going to accept this award on his behalf. Alright, let’s hear it for Morgan!” said the 75-year-old actor and musician.
At that time, the reason for Wallen’s absence was not disclosed. He had been the most-nominated artist entering the ceremony, with nods for Entertainer of the Year, Single of the Year, Song of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Music Video of the Year, and Musical Event of the Year.
A representative for Wallen did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.