Fans Call 2024 CMA Awards ‘Rigged’ as Chris Stapleton Wins in Three Categories

The country star’s historic triumph at a recent music event garnered widespread applause but also raised questions about whether the year’s true standouts received their due recognition.

The 2024 CMA Awards, held on Wednesday, November 20, at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, saw Chris Stapleton dominating the night by winning in three major categories. However, his victory quickly sparked a buzz on social media, evoking mixed reactions.

Stapleton took home awards for Male Vocalist of the Year, Single of the Year, and Song of the Year. With these wins, Stapleton’s career total of CMA Awards climbed to 18, further cementing his legacy in country music.

The singer-songwriter extended his record as Male Vocalist of the Year with an unprecedented eighth win. His recognition solidifies his reputation as one of the genre’s most celebrated artists.

The Country Music Association congratulated him on Instagram, posting, “The #CMAawards Male Vocalist of the Year is … @ChrisStapleton! Join us in wishing him a HUGE congratulations 🤩🤠.”

Stapleton also won both Single of the Year and Song of the Year for his chart-topping ballad “White Horse.” In a post celebrating the accomplishment, the CMA Awards wrote, “The #CMAawards Single of the Year is ‘White Horse’ by @ChrisStapleton ⭐🎵.”

Additionally, they announced, “Congratulations to the #CMAawards winners for Song of the Year, ‘White Horse’ written by @ChrisStapleton and @DanWilsonMusic 👏.”

This marked the third time in his career that Stapleton won both awards on the same night, further establishing his influence in country music. However, despite his stellar achievements, social media users were divided in their opinions.

While some fans praised Stapleton’s vocal talent and consistency, others expressed frustration, arguing that other artists deserved recognition. One user said, “Really tired of Chris seeming to always win! I liked Cody! Time to recognize some of the other great talents!” Another added, “There are so many singers better than him. I think the whole awards thing is rigged, sometimes.”

Supporters of Stapleton countered the criticism, with one fan commenting, “Chris wins because I think he has the most versatile voice. He surely deserves to win. He [is] so talented!!” Another wrote, “Phenomenal singer. He deserves this!”

Stapleton’s win as Male...