‘Done with your rigged show’

Lainey Wilson was the host of the CMAs on Wednesday night, and the show really turned into a showcase for the star.

She put on an impressive performance, too, singing several times, and zipping through it all with ease. Along the way, she also got plenty of love when it came to the awards. Wilson’s “Whirlwind” took home CMA Album of the Year, and she also won Female Artist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year.

It was that last honor — Entertainer of the Year — that did not sit well with a lot of folks. It seems many felt that Morgan Wallen, who has has dominated the charts this year, should have gotten the award. And they let their thoughts be known on social media.

“We are thrilled to announce the #CMAawards Entertainer of the Year is @LaineyWilson!” the CMAs posted on X. “Join us in congratulating Lainey on this tremendous honor!”

“They didn’t give it to (Morgan Wallen) because they know he wasn’t going to attend this fraudulent event,” one person replied. “CMA sends a clear message to artists ‘play ball with us and you will be rewarded.’ Lainey will play ball, Morgan won’t.”

“Anyone else literally hear the crowd saying ‘Morgan Wallen’ as he was announcing the winner and they snub him,” another replied. “What a joke.”

“I love Lainey, but (Morgan Wallen) should have won! I’m done with your rigged award show. #CMAAwards”

“Rigged,” another wrote. “Everyone knows Morgan Wallen is the real entertainer of the year.”

There were plenty more comments like that, and you can see them all as well as the CMA’s post on X here.

There were some folks who came to Wilson’s defense.

“Y’all clearly haven’t seen Lainey perform!” one person wrote. “She sells out shows, she gives it all form the time she walks on the stage till she walks off every night! Lainey is a true entertainer and deserves the award!!!!”

“Lainey cleaned up tonight in a field of amazing country artists,” another wrote. “That’s saying something. Great show. Great Presenters. Great performances. A great night of country music.”

It will be interesting to see if the CMAs, Wilson or Wallen have anything more to say about the award.