Why Country Fans Are Furious Over The CMAs Toby Keith Tribute

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The 2024 Country Music Awards sparked an uproar among country music fans with what many called a “disgraceful” tribute to the late Toby Keith.

Instead of a grand homage fitting for the country legend, who passed away on February 5, 2024 after a battle with stomach cancer, the ceremony opted for a fleeting moment that left fans feeling shortchanged.

During the awards ceremony, which took place Wednesday, November 20, CMA hosts Luke Bryan, Lainey Wilson, and Peyton Manning raised a red Solo Cup — a nod to Keith’s hit song “Red Solo Cup” — and shared a few words.

“We want to take a moment to toast the great Toby Keith,” Bryan, 48, said. “A great artist, a great American, and a great country music icon. Toby, you will be missed, buddy.”

Wilson, 32, added, “Toby had some great bar songs,” before transitioning to another performer, Shaboozey, which left many viewers feeling the tribute was rushed and insufficient.

“Lamest TK tribute ever!” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Another called it “Weak,” while others dubbed it, “Disgraceful,” and “Embarrassing.”

But it wasn’t just X where fans expressed their frustration. Instagram also became a hotbed of disappointment.

“No tribute? Just a 10 second cheers. How disappointing,” one person commented under a CMA post. Another added, “Was hoping for a bit more of a tribute than a 15 second solo cup raise. Toby deserves better. Do better, CMA.”

The comments continued to pour in: “This is all Toby Keith gets? His salute is just an intro for a Shaboozey song? That’s pathetic af. Toby deserves better,” and another fan expressed sheer frustration with, “That’s it? 😡😡😡😡”

Keith was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2021 and revealed his condition publicly in June 2022. He underwent chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery but ultimately passed away at age 62. A three-time CMA winner, Keith is survived by his wife, Tricia Lucas, three adult children — Shelley Covel Rowland, 44, Krystal Keith, 39, and Stelen Keith, 27 — plus four grandchildren.