The news that Kacey Musgraves’ progressive “Follow Your Arrow” won the Country Music Association Award for Song of the Year Wednesday should have made for a major story in its own right, but a specific element of Musgraves’ acceptance commanded a more aggressive string of headlines Thursday morning.
While walking up to accept her trophy, the singer-songwriter blew right past the arm of presenter Tim Tebow, who was attempting to assist her in climbing the final step.
Seemingly innocuous but not inconspicuous, Musgraves’ move prompted a firestorm of headlines accusing her of “blowing off” the former NFL quarterback.
USA Today, which ran one of the first stories on the sight, noted that Musgraves “left Tim Tebow hanging.” CBS Sports accused Musgraves of snubbing Tebow, while ESPN printed the headline, “Kacey Musgraves to Tim Tebow: Keep Your Hand to Yourself.” Numerous other outlets said that she “rejected” Tebow.
The singer-songwriter has finally weighed in, and she downplays that there was any malicious intent.
“Sorry, @TimTebow. I didn’t even see you. I was on planet Song of the Year! Totally dazed,” Tweeted Musgraves.
Musgraves shares the Song of the Year Award with her “Follow Your Arrow” co-writers Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally.