CMA Awards Spark Backlash as Fans Claim Host Lainey Wilson’s Win Was ‘Rigged’ Amid Morgan Wallen Snub

Some viewers were not happy with this year’s Country Music Association Awards.

On Wednesday, November 19, the 59th Annual CMA Awards took place at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, and singer-songwriter Lainey Wilson served as host.

Wilson, 33 — who performed a powerhouse country medley — clinched three major awards that evening, including Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year for her August 2024 album Whirlwind.

Meanwhile, many viewers were angry that Morgan Wallen — who won Entertainer of the Year in 2024 but was not in attendance to accept the honor — didn’t take home any awards this time around. Wallen, 32, was nominated again for Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year, and once again was a no-show at the ceremony.

Fans took to X, claiming the award show was rigged in the “Heart Like a Truck” hitmaker’s favor for the Entertainer of the Year award since she was hosting.

“@MorganWallen should’ve swept last nights awards ! 1.7 M albums sold and a packed out ‘I’m the Problem’ tour!” one person penned. “The man is already sold out for next summers tour ! You can’t convince me CMA isn’t rigged. Wallen is on fire and there was barely a mention of him! Soooo disappointing.”

“We should just call it the Lainey Wilson show AMA cma awards is so rigged,” a second posted on the platform.

“Morgan wallen and Luke Combs got cheated out of the cma award show last night same d**n thing they did to Toby Keith,” a third complained.

In her acceptance speech, Wilson thanked her family, Jesus and her fans for supporting her.

“I was just so tickled to be here hosting this thing tonight,” she remarked. “I just came into here just wanting to celebrate country music.”