Controversy Surrounds Inaugural People’s Choice Country Awards as Morgan Wallen Wins Top Prizes
September 28th marked the premiere of a new country music awards show, the People’s Choice Country Awards, but it failed to live up to expectations. With a weak viewership of only 3.96 million, the People’s Choice Country Awards fell short in comparison to the highly-rated CMA Awards, which garnered 9.7 million viewers last year.
The event, a collaboration between NBC Universal and Ryman Hospitality Properties, the parent company of the Grand Ole Opry, aimed to bring the power of fan voting to the forefront. However, the lack of star power and controversy surrounding the winners has led to scrutiny and speculation about the show’s future.
One of the most notable winners of the night was Morgan Wallen, who took home three of the top awards – People’s Choice Country Artist of 2023, Album of 2023 for “One Thing At A Time,” and Concert Tour of 2023. However, viewers who watched the broadcast were unaware of Wallen’s wins as they were not mentioned during the telecast. The results were only revealed after the show through a press release.
This omission has raised questions about the People’s Choice Country Awards’ decision not to acknowledge Wallen’s victories. Some speculate that the show wanted to avoid any potential backlash due to Wallen’s previous controversy, as he was not even present at the awards. However, this move undermines the credibility and transparency of the fan-voted awards.
The controversy surrounding Morgan Wallen stems from an incident earlier this year involving his use of a racial slur. Despite issuing multiple apologies and making efforts to rehabilitate his image, Wallen remains a polarizing figure in the industry. However, his popularity among fans, including Black and Brown audiences, cannot be denied.
The decision to exclude Wallen’s wins from the broadcast contrasts with other awards shows that have often recognized controversial artists. This move has drawn criticism and accusations of cowardice from both fans and industry insiders. Many argue that if the People’s Choice Country Awards wanted to avoid promoting performers with shady pasts, they should also consider the history of other artists, such as Jelly Roll, who has a criminal record and a controversial past within the country rap universe.
The future of the People’s Choice Country Awards remains uncertain. If the show continues next year, it is likely that Morgan Wallen will once again dominate the awards due to his immense popularity. However, the controversy surrounding the inaugural event and its handling of Wallen’s wins may lead to its downfall. Ultimately, the show must address the concerns raised and find a way to navigate the complex landscape of honoring artists with controversial backgrounds while still maintaining a sense of integrity and transparency.