Several of country music’s biggest stars were noticeably absent from the CMT Music Awards on Sunday night (April 2). Even some artists who were nominated for the night’s top awards were not at the event.
Fans were quick to pick up on these absences. Many wondered where their favorite artists were and why they couldn’t be there.
We have a few explanations here!
Miranda Lambert
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Miranda’s Lambert‘s video for “Actin’ Up” was nominated for Female Video of the Year. But she was not at the ceremony.
Though Lambert had a good reason not to be there. She’s currently in Las Vegas for her Velvet Rodeo residency. She had a show on April 2, the same night as the CMT Music Awards.
Morgan Wallen
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Morgan Wallen was nominated for Male Video of the Year. He was also one of the top six contenders for Video of the Year, but fell short of the top three.
So why wasn’t Wallen at the CMT Music Awards this year? He did just finish performing in New Zealand and Australia, so it may have been challenging for him to get back for the ceremony in Texas.
Luke Combs
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Like Wallen, Luke Combs was also nominated for Male Video of the Year. Also like Wallen, Combs was not in attendance at this year’s CMT Music Awards.
It stands to reason why Combs was unable to attend. He recently kicked off his World Tour, and had a show in Indianapolis on April 1, the day before the ceremony.
Zac Brown Band
The members of Zac Brown Band were not in attendance at the CMT Music Awards this year. The reason for their absence is unknown.
Although they weren’t at the ceremony, the members of Zac Brown Band still won an award. They won the trophy for Group/Duo Video of the Year. They were announced as the winners during the red carpet livestream.
Interestingly, none of the other nominees in the category were at the ceremony either.
Dierks Bentley
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Dierks Bentley was up for one award at the CMT Music Awards this year. His video for “Worth a Shot” with Elle King was nominated for Collaborative Video of the Year.
Despite being a nominee, Bentley was not at the ceremony. He is gearing up to start a new tour this summer, so he may be busy getting prepared for that!
Chris Stapleton
Chris Stapleton is usually a fixture at awards ceremonies. But he wasn’t at the CMT Music Awards this year. He’s currently on a break between tour dates, and is also preparing to headline the Stagecoach festival later this month.
Stapleton was nominated for CMT Performance of the Year for his cover of Vince Gill‘s “Whenever You Come Around.” He delivered the performance during the CMT Giants special in Gill’s honor.
Watch that performance of Stapleton’s below.
Who did you miss seeing at the CMT Music Awards?