Real Thoughts On CMA Night: Why Did Morgan Wallan Get Snubbed? :: Ep 83 Try That In A Small Town Podcast Try That In A Small Town podcast

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Real Thoughts on CMA Night: Why Did Morgan Wallan Get Snubbed? :: Ep 83 Try That in a Small Town Podcast

4d ago 1:51:23

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The CMAs tried to be everything at once: a celebration of country’s roots, a launchpad for rising acts, and a glossy TV moment with crossover appeal. We sat down after watching every minute (twice) and cut through the noise with a blunt, song-first breakdown of what actually worked, what didn’t, and why the fans’ reality isn’t showing up on stage.
We start with Lainey Wilson’s capable hosting and a performance that sparked debate about image and song fit. Then we zero in on the music: Chris Stapleton’s band-first power, Zach Top’s classic-country momentum, Red Clay Strays’ raw charisma, and Stephen Wilson Jr.’s singular style. Kenny Chesney’s thoughtful tribute to Brett James reminded us what sincerity looks like on a big stage, while a disco-styled duet left us wondering how a concept can eclipse the song. We also grapple with the Vince Gill tribute choice—how to honor an icon with the right voices and the right feel.
The conversation keeps coming back to scale and stakes. If Entertainer of the Year is about ticket sales, streaming impact, and cultural reach, fans know who they’re crowning. We talk candidly about the Morgan Wallen-sized gap between stadium reality and awards-night narrative, why certain categories feel hollow, and how the business can champion bands and vocal groups without blurring what those categories mean. Along the way, we call out who likely played live, where production helped or hurt, and which artists have “a thing” that cuts through.
If you want a no-spin tour through the night’s highs, lows, and head-scratchers—plus a grounded take on where country music is actually headed—this episode is your companion piece to the broadcast. Hit play, then tell us what we got right, where we’re nuts, and who your real Entertainer of the Year is. If you’re into honest country talk, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review so more fans can find the show.

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Chapters

1. Cold Open: CMA Snark And Setup (00:00:00)

2. Welcome Back And Host Banter (00:02:12)

3. Plan For A Full CMA Recap (00:04:12)

4. Lainey Wilson As Host: First Impressions (00:05:07)

5. Opening Performances And Staged Sets (00:06:37)

6. Single Of The Year: Ella & Riley (00:11:17)

7. Production Tricks vs Playing Live (00:15:27)

8. Duo Of The Year And The Duo Drought (00:19:32)

9. Group Category Debate And Touring Reality (00:24:32)

10. Megan Moroney Performance Reactions (00:28:52)

11. Stapleton Delivers: Band Feel And Vocals (00:32:52)

12. Kelsea Ballerini’s Set And Staging Gags (00:36:22)

13. New Artist Win: Zach Top’s Moment (00:40:22)

14. Red Clay Strays: Raw, Greasy, And Polarizing (00:43:32)

15. Album, Song Debates And Category Confusion (00:49:12)

16. Kenny Chesney Tribute And Brett James Shoutout (00:53:42)

17. Old Dominion Medley And Band Void (00:59:02)

18. Stephen Wilson Jr. And Left-Field Choices (01:04:02)

19. Lainey’s Big Performance: Style vs Song (01:08:52)

20. Miranda x Stapleton: Disco Set Miss (01:14:42)

21. Riley Green: Brand, Biceps, And Guitar (01:19:22)

22. Ella Langley’s Lane And Presence (01:23:02)

23. Male Vocalist: Cody Johnson’s Win (01:26:12)

24. Tucker Wetmore: Sounds Like Morgan? (01:29:02)

25. Vince Gill Tribute: Choices And Missed Magic (01:32:32)

26. Rap-Country Collab: Why And For Whom (01:37:52)

27. The Morgan Wallen Question And Snubs (01:42:22)

28. Entertainer Of The Year: Lainey vs Morgan (01:48:32)

29. Two Realities: TV Narrative vs Ticket Sales (01:54:12)

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