When Brown and Mackie noted Ballerini was "under the weather" without mentioning her already-public COVID diagnosis, it left some fans wondering if this was an intentional omission or avoidance of a touchy subject, and why that choice was made. One Twitter user said, "Co-host Kelsea Ballerini announced to her 2.7 million Instagram followers this morning that she tested positive for covid so not sure why the #CMTMusicawards is saying she's not there because she's 'under the weather'...not really a secret!"

Other fans commented with varying opinions on her decision to stay home, with one fan lamenting, "Couldn't she just wear a mask?" and other fans expressing their sympathy and support, wishing her a speedy recovery and assuring, "We will be watching!"

The good news is that while Ballerini is stuck in her house, she appeared to be the high-energy, lovely star her fans know and love (and she was dressed to the nines in a fabulous purple dress), so it seems she is on the mend!