We knew Blake Shelton would miss the CMA Awards, and weren’t surprised to not see Morgan Wallen. However, the list of stars who skipped in 2025 is much longer than anyone expected.
Earlier this month Jelly Roll canceled a show in New Zealand and since then he’s opened up about being in a bad place mentally. With just one nomination, he had reason to skip but one wonders if his fragile condition played a factor.
Post Malone
Craig Barritt, Getty Images
Post Malone
Post Malone is in between albums and — since his world tour — he’s been laying low. At last check he’s traveling in Europe but he also has a tour stop planned for India next month.
Just before the 2025 CMA Awards, Blake Shelton shared that he and his wife Gwen Stefani wouldn’t be attending. Instead they were going to watch at home. No reason was provided.
Earlier this month Jelly Roll canceled a show in New Zealand and since then he’s opened up about being in a bad place mentally. With just one nomination, he had reason to skip but one wonders if his fragile condition played a factor.
Post Malone
Craig Barritt, Getty Images
Post Malone
Post Malone is in between albums and — since his world tour — he’s been laying low. At last check he’s traveling in Europe but he also has a tour stop planned for India next month.
Just before the 2025 CMA Awards, Blake Shelton shared that he and his wife Gwen Stefani wouldn’t be attending. Instead they were going to watch at home. No reason was provided.
Reba McEntire
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Reba McEntire
There was really no reason for Reba McEntire to attend the CMAs other than she seems to be at every award show, usually to host or perform. Her TV show Happy’s Place is no doubt keeping her busy in 2025.
Jason Aldean
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Jason Aldean
A couple hours before the start of the 2025 CMAs, Jason Aldean‘s wife Brittany shared a photo of the couple on a date night in Miami. He was not nominated this year.
Carrie Underwood
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Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood was once a CMA Awards staple, but this is actually the second time in three years she’s skipped this show. Last year she performed with Cody Johnson but with American Idol to focus on and no nominations, she’s likely at home with her boys.
Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood was once a CMA Awards staple, but this is actually the second time in three years she’s skipped this show. Last year she performed with Cody Johnson but with American Idol to focus on and no nominations, she’s likely at home with her boys.
Kane Brown
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Kane Brown
Kane Brown attended the BMI Awards on Tuesday night (Nov. 18) but skipped the CMAs. On Instagram, he indicated he too was having a bad mental health day.
“Today’s just another day I’m beating my self up and I’m feeling down but I will never let it beat me,” he writes. “All my under dogs out there keep fighting.”
Luke Bryan
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Luke Bryan
Luke Bryan has hosted the last few CMA Awards, so it seems possible that he skipped to give host Lainey Wilson some space. He too was not nominated.
See country music’s best dressed from the 2025 CMA Awards. These red carpet pictures feature CMA performers, presenters and more, plus country music’s hottest couples.
See country music’s best dressed from the 2025 CMA Awards. These red carpet pictures feature CMA performers, presenters and more, plus country music’s hottest couples.
