Grammy Snubs: Country Stars Morgan Wallen, Jason Aldean, and Oliver Anthony Overlooked
Country music has been stirring the pot with catchy tunes and headline-grabbing controversies, yet Morgan Wallen, Jason Aldean, and Oliver Anthony—three artists who’ve dominated the charts—found themselves conspicuously absent from the 2024 Grammy nominations list.
2024 Grammy Nominations: Who Made the Cut?
Best Country Album Nominees
The race for Best Country Album is heating up with nominees like Brothers Osborne for their self-titled album, Kelsea Ballerini with “Rolling Up the Welcome Mat,” Lainey Wilson for “Bell Bottom Country,” Tyler Childers with “Rustin’ in the Rain,” and Zach Bryan for his album “Zach Bryan.”
Best Country Solo Performance Contenders
For Best Country Solo Performance, the spotlight shines on Brandy Clark with “Buried,” Chris Stapleton for “White Horse,” the legendary Dolly Parton with “The Last Thing on My Mind,” Luke Combs for his rendition of “Fast Car,” and Tyler Childers once again with “In Your Love.”
Chart-Toppers Without Nods
Despite their success, Wallen’s hit “Last Night,” Aldean’s “Try That In A Small Town,” and Anthony’s “Rich Men North of Richmond” did not secure nominations. Furthermore, none of these artists received nods for any of their other work this year.
The Summer of Country: Chart-Topping Records and Controversies
Country music made waves this past summer, Breaking records left and right. For the first time, country songs claimed the top three spots on the Billboard Hot 100. Oliver Anthony’s “Rich Men North of Richmond” shattered records, marking his chart-topping debut. Morgan Wallen’s “Last Night” enjoyed 16 nonconsecutive weeks at number one, a record for a solo artist. However, Wallen’s success followed a significant backlash after he was caught using a racial slur in 2021.
Anthony’s “Rich Men North of Richmond” became a working-class anthem, though not without controversy. The song’s political messages drew criticism from some and praise from others, including right-wing figures like Rep. Majorie Taylor Greene and former President Donald Trump. Anthony found humor in the political attention his song garnered.
The Big Number: Wallen’s Billboard Hot 100 Entries
Morgan Wallen boasts an impressive 40 entries on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2023, second only to pop icon Taylor Swift. Zach Bryan also made his mark with 25 entries, securing his place among country music’s elite.
Controversial Hits and Chart Successes
Jason Aldean’s “Try That In A Small Town” stirred the pot with its controversial themes, while its music video faced backlash for being filmed at a historically sensitive location. Meanwhile, Zach Bryan’s “I Remember Everything” and Luke Combs’ cover of “Fast Car” soared to the top of the charts, with Combs’ cover reaching number one after a steady climb.
Country Music’s Record-Breaking Year
Country music has been enjoying a momentous year, with songs like “I Remember Everything” continuing the genre’s streak of chart-topping hits. The genre’s success and the controversies surrounding some of its biggest songs have kept country music firmly in the public eye.
As the genre continues to evolve and push boundaries, fans and critics alike are tuned in to see what country music will do next. Despite the snubs at the Grammys, artists like Morgan Wallen, Jason Aldean, and Oliver Anthony continue to make waves and influence the music industry in their own unique ways.
Whether it’s through record-breaking chart performances or stirring up political debates, country music proves time and again that it’s a force to be reckoned with. The 2024 Grammy nominations may have overlooked some of the year’s most talked-about artists, but the conversation around their music and its impact is far from over.
With a blend of traditional sounds and modern controversies, country music remains a vibrant and dynamic part of the musical landscape. As we look ahead to the future, it’s clear that country artists will continue to captivate audiences and shape the industry in unexpected and exciting ways.
