The 2024 People's Choice Country Awards had an attendance problem. Half of the awards were announced during a show-ending prize dump, because the winners weren't there to collect them.

There were eight nominees in the People's Artist of 2024 category and only one (Kane Brown) was in attendance. This explains the odd decision to omit the night's biggest prize from the program.

Could you imagine Entertainer of the Year being announced in a footnote?

Related: 2024 People's Choice Country Awards Winners [Full List]

So, what happened?

There are very good reasons for the absence of several of country music's biggest stars, but the trend points to a long-running problem in country music: Four network awards shows is at least one too many.

Here are 13 artists who didn't attend the 2024 People's Choice Country Awards on Thursday night (Sept. 26), and why.

13 Country Stars Who Skipped the 2024 People's Choice Country Awards

The 2024 People's Choice Country Awards didn't feature most of the most-nominated artists. Shaboozey was there to perform and present, but Beyonce, Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgraves all stayed away.

Seven of the artists on this list of stars who skipped the PCCAs had very good reason to do so. The rest either had personal commitments, or simply chose to kick back in their PJs at home. Their absence explains why major awards were announced in one big batch at the end of the show.

Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes

2024 People's Choice Country Awards Red Carpet Pictures

The best dressed from the 2024 People's Choice Country Awards features long, elegant gowns and a few daring dashes down the red carpet.

See pictures from the red carpet at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, taken before Thursday night's (Sept. 26) NBC broadcast.

The 2024 PCCA's air live on NBC from 8-10PM ET. Shania Twain is the host while Miranda Lambert and Kane Brown will receive special honors.

Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes

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