Jason Aldean Speaks Out on Being Dissed by CMA Awards

When the Country Music Association announced the nominees for the 48th annual CMA Awards, one name was not in the running for any categories, despite having a platinum album that produced four #1 singles. The reigning (and two time) Male Vocalist of the Year, Jason Aldean, who many thought would grab his 4th consecutive Entertainer of the Year nod as well as his 4th Male Vocalist nod, heard crickets.

While talking to Rolling Stone Country about his upcoming project, Old Boots, New Dirt, Jason talked about the snub and how it made him feel. He said, "Obviously it's disappointing. We're still out there selling out shows. With maybe the exception of Luke [Bryan], I don't think there is anybody else out there that is doing the kind of touring numbers that we're doing. It's frustrating, man. But at the same time, I don't know how…what do you do? Things like that are out of your hands."

Not one to curl up in a ball over heartache, Aldean is moving forward and letting the slap go. "I'm not going to jump up and down and pitch a fit," he shared. "It does suck a little bit when awards season comes around and you feel like you're, as far as artists go, you're up there at the cream of the crop, and to get overlooked like that is upsetting. But at the same time, you know, I wasn't the only one."

His current tourmates, Tyler Farr and Florida Georgia Line felt the lack of love from the CMA too. Tyler has had two #1's come off of his debut album but he got no New Artist of the Year love. Florida Georgia Line got a nod - Vocal Duo of the Year - but their mega hit with Luke Bryan, "This Is How We Roll" was left out in the cold. (Luke did get 3 nods - Album of the Year, Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year.)

And that not jumping up and down? Jason didn't have to because his fans and quite a few country DJs did it for him! He treasures how passionate his fans are and their public outcry did not go unnoticed by the singer. "I do appreciate the fact that there are people out there who do realize what we're doing. It sort of validates my reasoning for being upset." It is what it is," he added. "You can bitch and complain about it, or you just go and keep doing things the way you always did."

He's taking the road to doing what he does - playing sold out shows and looking forward to the October 7, 2014 release of his new album, which has already spawned a #1 hit with "Burnin' It Down," which has become the most added radio single of his career.