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Top country stars absent from ACM Awards 2025


Two brown guitars
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Lainey Wilson arrives at the 2023 Billboard Women.

Where Were the Stars at ACM 2025?

The 2025 ACM Awards were hosted by Reba McEntire and filled with bright lights and big wins. Lainey Wilson won big, but some stars were missing from the show.

Some may have stayed home for family reasons or other work plans. Their absence stood out and had many people asking why they did not show.

Morgan Wallen at 54th Academy of Country Music Awards.

Morgan Wallen Skips with Brady

Morgan Wallen had seven chances to win at the ACM Awards, but he did not come to the show. He spent the day playing golf with Tom Brady instead.

The two were seen together on a sunny course away from the event. Wallen picked a quiet day with a football star over a loud night of music.

jennifer nettles and kristian bush

Jennifer Nettles—Suddenly Sick

Kristian Bush walked out alone when it was time for the Sugarland reunion. Jennifer Nettles got sick right before the show and could not come.

Little Big Town jumped in to help and kept the music going. The moment felt different without her, but people still felt her heart in the room.

Luke Combs at 54th Academy of Country Music Awards.

Luke Combs Is a No-Show

Luke Combs had three big nods at the 60th ACM Awards, but he did not show up at all. No one shared why, and no word came from his side.

There was no post or message to explain what happened. His quiet move left many people wondering what kept him away on such a big night.

Shania Twain at an event

Shania Twain Chooses the Studio

Shania Twain did not show up to the 2025 ACM Awards, but she was busy making new songs. She chose to stay in the studio and work hard instead of being on stage.

She shared an old video to remind everyone why she is still a big name. Her choice shows that real power comes from making music, not from being in the spotlight.

LAS VEGAS - MAR 7: Cade Foehner, Gabby Barrett at the 2022 Academy of Country Music Awards Arrivals at Allegient Stadium on March 7, 2022 in Las Vegas, NV

Cade Foehner’s Graduation Day

Gabby Barrett shined on the ACM stage while her husband, Cade Foehner, missed the show for a good reason. He was graduating from college in California after working hard for years.

Gabby flew out the next day to join him. Some moments away from music are more special, and love always comes first.

Carrie Underwood at an event..

Carrie Underwood—Family First

Carrie Underwood was nominated twice but stayed home to care for her family. She has two young boys and a busy job on American Idol.

It has been three years since she last came to the ACMs. Carrie showed that sometimes family is more important than being in the spotlight.

Post Malone

Post Malone M.I.A.

Post Malone earned four ACM nominations but did not attend the awards. He had concerts in Texas right after the show.

He picked playing music over the red carpet and fancy moments. His choice shows how hard it is to balance big moments with the work of touring and performing.

Lauren Alaina at AMC Awards.

Lauren Alaina’s FOMO & Baby Glow

Lauren Alaina is glowing with happiness and a baby bump. She is expecting her first baby soon and chose not to walk the red carpet.

She shared how much she missed being there while watching from home. This year, her biggest joy is not a trophy but the new life she is about to welcome.

Jason Aldean at the 54th academy of country music awards

Jason Aldean Missing from the Milestone

Jason Aldean has won 15 ACM awards but was not at this year’s event. He did not have any nominations and seems focused on what is coming next.

His Full Throttle Tour is about to start, and that is where his energy is now. For Jason, the big moments are on the road, not on the stage.

Luke Bryan attends the 2019 CMT Music Awards.

Luke Bryan’s Three-Year ACM Break

Luke Bryan has not been at the ACM Awards for three years now. He did not get any nominations this time and stayed away from the red carpet.

His work on American Idol and family life keeps him busy every day. Even if he is not there now, the stage will welcome him back when the time is right.

Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks

Garth & Trisha—Tour Life Calls

Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood did not attend the ACM Awards this year. Trisha is busy touring and has released her first album in six years called The Mirror.

Both are focused on making music and performing live. Their work on the road shows their love for the country, even if they missed the big night.

rays of light on the stage during the showon a

No Show, No Shame

Some stars do not go to the ACM Awards, and that is okay. Busy schedules and travel make it hard to be there every time.

Sometimes, taking care of yourself or your family is more important than the bright lights. In 2025, artists can still shine even if they skip the big night.

Morgan Wallen at an event.

Two Entertainer Nominees Absent

Two of the five nominees for Entertainer of the Year, Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs, did not show up. Their absence changed how the night felt and left empty seats that stood out.

Jelly Roll, Backstreet Boys, and more joined the lineup for the 2025 ACM Awards, but the missing stars made the big night feel less full. When big stars are gone, the celebration feels different.

Post Malone at American Music Awards.

Missing Energy on a Ballad-Heavy Night

The 60th ACM Awards kicked off with an epic 12-minute country medley full of slow songs and special moments that showed feelings. Morgan Wallen and Post Malone were not there to add some fun with a song or a surprise.

Their absence made the night feel like a song that needed more beats. The show could have been better with their energy and excitement.

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