The 2024 CMA Awards: More Pop than Country?

The 2024 CMA Awards was like watching the pop-country extravaganza unfold, even making George Strait raise an eyebrow. His face was the epitome of “I’ve heard better tunes from a harmonica played by a raccoon,” longing for the days when country was, well, actually country.

When you're not quite sure about this current era of "Country Music" #CMAawards pic.twitter.com/mvFAyXqNd0

— Lawrence & The Machine (@JoinesLW) November 21, 2024

However, if there was a saving grace, it was Shaboozey’s performance. Now, I’ve got my reservations about him being the face of country to some folks, but credit where it’s due. His song “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” has been a hit this year. Yet, despite his talent, the CMA decided to play it safe, snubbing him of an award.

The rest of the show? Well, let’s just say it was a mix of the usual suspects singing their usual songs with a sprinkle of what-the-heck-is-this-pop-country. Luke Bryan was the host, he looked great I would say.