It's a tradition at the CMAs for the hosts to rip on their fellow country stars . . . and for the camera to pan to the audience and catch that star's reaction.  It's like, they BETTER be laughing or showing it doesn't bother them or they'll look totally lame.

Well, this year, when BRAD PAISLEY and CARRIE UNDERWOOD cracked that TAYLOR SWIFT will never, ever, ever, ever get back with CONOR KENNEDY, we did NOT see Taylor's face.

So the "New York Times" asked Taylor why, and she told the truth.  She said, quote, "They don't pan to you if you're not laughing."