Maren Morris Opts Out of the 2024 CMT Music Awards Amid Genre Controversy

Maren Morris Skips the 2024 CMT Music Awards After Genre Exit Drama

Maren Morris Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Flipper's Roller Boogie Palace

Maren Morris, who was nominated for the 2024 CMT Music Awards, was not able to attend the event on Sunday, April 7. The 33-year-old singer explained her absence by mentioning a work commitment she had scheduled earlier.

Karina [Argow] and I are kicking off our book tour week by flying to New York tonight. We can't wait to see you on Wednesday at the Barnes & Noble in Union Square," she excitedly shared in an Instagram Story on Sunday. She was referring to her children's book, Addie Ant Goes on an Adventure.

On Sunday, the singer received a nomination for CMT Performance of the Year. This was for her duet with Hozier on his song "Take Me to Church" during a September 2023 episode of CMT Crossroads. They were up against tough competition in the category, including Amber Riley, Bret Michaels, Chris Janson, Carrie Underwood, Cody Johnson, Dierks Bentley, Dustin Lynch, MacKenzie Porter, Jelly Roll, Kelsea Ballerini, and The War and Treaty.

Morris has been nominated 15 times at the CMT Music Awards throughout her career, but she has not won a trophy at the ceremony yet. This year, the event took place at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas.

Even though she has achieved success in the country music industry, Morris announced in September 2023 that she was stepping away from the genre. She expressed to the Los Angeles Times, "I felt like I wanted to start fresh and rebuild from scratch. However, it seems like things are falling apart on their own without my intervention."

Morris, known for speaking up about LGBTQ+ issues, race, and more, expressed feeling disconnected from the genre. She mentioned feeling like she had already said everything she could to bring about change.

Maren Morris Skips the 2024 CMT Music Awards After Genre Exit Drama

Maren Morris Taylor Hill/WireImage

The following month, Morris clarified that she was being “hyperbolic” and a complete exit from country music would be “ridiculous.”

She expressed her feelings on The New York Times’ “Popcast” podcast in October 2023, saying she didn't want to say goodbye but couldn't continue in the toxic environment of the institution. She mentioned that she would no longer submit her music to country awards shows, clarifying that she was not turning away her country music fans, but rather distancing herself from certain aspects of the music industry.

Morris revealed that she realized it was time to step back when critics started telling her, "You don't belong here," during her advocacy work.

She continued, "When I look at the hard-cold facts and zoom out, I see that things are getting significantly worse each year for people on the margins, and women in general. It's not getting better or staying the same, it's actually getting worse."

In November 2023, Morris found the idea of becoming a pop star "hilarious."

"I'm staying in Nashville because I love it here. I don't see myself as a country music outsider," she told Variety. "There are so many talented people here creating meaningful music. I feel like a part of this community and I want to contribute to its growth, just like I want to see improvements in the music industry."

In the midst of career challenges, Morris also went through a divorce from Ryan Hurd in October 2023 after five years of marriage. The couple, who have a 4-year-old son named Hayes, finalized their divorce in January.

Editor's P/S:

Maren Morris' absence from the CMT Music Awards highlights her ongoing transition in the music industry. Despite her nominations, she has struggled to find her place within the country music scene due to her outspokenness on social issues. This has led to a sense of disconnect and a desire to distance herself from certain aspects of the genre.

Morris' decision to step back from country music is a reflection of the challenges facing marginalized voices in the industry. She recognizes the need for change and wants to use her platform to advocate for progress. Her willingness to speak up and challenge the status quo is admirable, even if it comes at a personal cost.