CMA Awards Spark Backlash: Fans Declare “Country Music Is Dead”

The Country Music Association Awards (CMA Awards) faced a wave of criticism on social media Wednesday night, with fans voicing their displeasure over the performances and hosting during the show’s opening hour.

Disappointment Over Performances

Several viewers took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their frustration, with some claiming that “country music is dead” after watching what they described as underwhelming performances.

Shaboozey Faces Backlash

Rapper Shaboozey, who performed A Bar Song (Tipsy), became a target for criticism:

One user wrote: “@CountryMusic has officially flatlined!!! #CMAawards Who is #Shaboozey, and what is up with this ridiculous voice?”

Another complained: “This has to be a joke, right? #CMAawards is supposed to celebrate TALENTED artists. Add Shaboozey to tonight’s garbage list.”

Others dismissed his act as “not country music” and criticized the CMA for including him in the lineup.

Megan Moroney Criticized for Her Vocals

Singer Megan Moroney also failed to impress viewers:

One frustrated fan commented: “I love Megan Moroney’s songs, but vocally… she’s just not it.”

Another bluntly asked: “Are we sure this Megan Moroney person is actually a singer?”

Comparisons to pop artists like Sabrina Carpenter were common, with fans demanding her removal from the stage.

Luke Bryan’s Hosting Under Fire

Luke Bryan, who co-hosted the event with Peyton Manning and Lainey Wilson, didn’t escape criticism either. Many fans labeled his jokes as “unfunny” and called his hosting performance disappointing:

One user sarcastically remarked: “Luke Bryan might be funnier after a couple of drinks.”

Another said: “Luke Bryan’s hosting is on par with Kelly Clarkson’s Olympic performance — meaning, it’s terrible.”

Fan Reactions

Viewers were vocal about their dissatisfaction, with one summing it up: “5 minutes into the CMA Awards, and I’m already considering turning it off. This is painful.”

Despite the backlash, the show featured a star-studded lineup of nominees, including Morgan Wallen, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, and Post Malone, alongside newer names like Jelly Roll and Lainey Wilson.

While the CMA Awards aimed to celebrate the best in country music, the reception from fans suggests that the event fell short in delivering performances and hosting that matched their expectations.