Morgan Wallen skips CMA Awards for second year, misses Entertainer of the Year nomination

Morgan Wallen made headlines once again by skipping the 2025 CMA Awards ceremony held November 19 in Nashville. The country superstar was nominated for Entertainer of the Year but didn’t attend the event. This marks the second consecutive year he’s missed the show while being nominated for the top prize. Luke Combs took home the award instead.

Wallen’s Pattern of Skipping Awards Shows

Morgan Wallen has established a clear pattern of avoiding major awards shows. He skipped the 2024 CMA Awards entirely and still won Entertainer of the Year that night. In May 2025, he also missed the ACM Awards despite having seven nominations. Instead, he posted photos of himself golfing with Tom Brady.

The artist hasn’t made official statements explaining why he regularly skips these ceremonies. However, sources suggest he prioritizes personal time and public appearances over award show attendance. His absence doesn’t seem to hurt his career success, as he continues receiving major nominations and recognition from the industry.

The CMA Awards have been particularly important to Wallen, given his past controversies with the organization. He was previously banned from attending the 2021 CMA Awards following a racial slur incident. Despite that setback, he’s bounced back to become a major contender at the ceremony.

Competition and the 2025 Entertainer Race

The Entertainer of the Year category featured incredibly strong competition. Luke Combs ultimately took the prize, marking his third career win in this category. The other nominees included Chris Stapleton, Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson, and Wallen.

Combs also delivered an opening performance at the ceremony, singing “Back in the Saddle.” His win solidifies his position as one of country music’s biggest names. All five nominees were prominent figures in the country music world heading into the November 19 event.

What’s Next for Morgan Wallen?

Wallen has plenty on his plate beyond award shows. He’s currently touring across the country with his successful “I’m The Problem” tour. He’s also planning a major 2026 stadium tour called “Still The Problem Tour.” This tour will hit 21 dates across 11 cities starting April 10, 2026.

• His album “I’m The Problem” continues dominating the charts.
• He recently achieved a major milestone on Spotify with three songs over 1 billion streams.
• He’s the first country artist to reach this achievement with his songs.
• His 2026 tour will include stadium venues across major American cities.

Will Morgan Wallen Ever Attend the CMA Awards Again?

One burning question remains: will Morgan Wallen show up to future CMA Awards ceremonies? His track record suggests it’s unlikely in the near future. He’s made it clear awards shows aren’t a priority. His statement through his actions speaks volumes about his perspective on industry accolades versus focusing on music and touring.

Despite his absence, Wallen remains one of country music’s most successful and nominated artists. The CMA continues recognizing his work even when he’s not present to celebrate. Whether he changes his mind for future ceremonies remains to be seen, but fans shouldn’t hold their breath.

Sources

• Taste of Country – Coverage of Morgan Wallen’s 2025 CMA Awards absence
• People Magazine – Complete 2025 CMA Awards winners list and analysis
• Billboard – CMA Awards 2025 results and Luke Combs performance

Jessica Morrison

Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.