Morgan Wallen seemingly dissed the CMA Awards after he received an end of year honor from Apple Music.
Apple Music revealed via Instagram on Tuesday, December 2, that Wallen’s album I’m the Problem was the music streaming service’s “most-listened-to project” of the 2025 year. That same day, Wallen, 32, reshared the post via his Instagram Story with a message that appeared to throw some shade toward the CMAs.
“I like my fans to do the talking,” Wallen wrote alongside the announcement.
Wallen’s remarks come weeks after he lost Entertainer of the Year at the 2025 CMA Awards last month. The honor, which is bestowed by the Country Music Association, ultimately went to Lainey Wilson who was also this year’s host. Wallen, for his part, was absent from the awards show.
Morgan Wallen’s Ups and Downs Through the Years
Last month, Wallen made a surprise appearance at Ella Langley’s concert at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville to perform his song “Cover Me Up.” While on stage, Wallen made a dig at the CMAs — which are held in Music City — while explaining that he doesn’t frequent Nashville’s busy street filled with venues too much any more.
“It takes a lot more than an awards show to get me out to Broadway these days, I’ll tell you that,” he quipped.
Ahead of this year’s CMAs, Wallen’s friend and frequent collaborator Ernest revealed to Taste of Country that his pick to win Entertainer of the Year was Wilson. When asked why not Wallen, Ernest, 33, gave a candid response about his pal’s mindset.
“He don’t give a f***,” the country singer told the outlet. “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.”
Wallen has had a complicated history with the CMAs over the years. Following his racial slur scandal in 2021, Wallen, who apologized for his remarks via social media at the time, was banned from the award show that year and deemed ineligible for any awards.
After the ban was lifted in 2022, Wallen attended and performed his song “You Proof.” The following year, Wallen was nominated in three of the CMAs’ biggest categories: Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year. Despite achieving commercial success, Wallen lost all three awards. His fans took to social media declaring he was snubbed.
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Months later, Wallen took home 11 accolades at the Billboard Music Awards. In his acceptance speech, Wallen thanked his fans for their support while addressing his previous loss.
“You know, like the song says, you win some you lose some. And last award show I went to, we came home empty handed, and this one, I don’t have enough hands for them all,” he reflected. “So either way, I promise I’m gonna stay the same regardless if I come home with 10 or 0. I’m gonna give y’all my all every single night, every single time I go into the studio.”
Wallen was nominated for Entertainer of the Year again in 2024 and won the prize. However, the singer was not present for the awards show and the accolade was accepted by Jeff Bridges on Wallen’s behalf. Wallen never addressed why he was not present for the ceremony or taking home the top prize.
