Country star Morgan Wallen is under fire after reports surfaced that he abruptly walked off stage during a rehearsal for his upcoming Saturday Night Live performance. The incident, which allegedly occurred during a run-through of his hit single “God’s Country,” has sparked controversy just days before the singer’s highly anticipated return to the NBC show.
What Happened During the Rehearsal?
According to multiple production sources, Wallen grew frustrated with the show’s sound team during a Thursday night rehearsal. Witnesses claim the “Last Night” singer stopped mid-performance, removed his in-ear monitors, and exited the stage without explanation. The tense moment reportedly left the SNL crew scrambling as producers attempted to smooth things over with the country star.
An NBC spokesperson downplayed the incident, calling it “a routine creative discussion that got slightly heated,” but confirmed Wallen would still appear as scheduled. However, the timing couldn’t be worse for Wallen, who has been working to rebuild his reputation after past controversies.
Social Media Post Adds Fuel to the Fire
Just hours after the rehearsal incident, Wallen posted a cryptic message to his 8 million Instagram followers: “Some folks just don’t get country music. We’ll do it our way.” While not directly referencing SNL, fans quickly connected the dots, with many interpreting it as a shot at the show’s production team.
The post has since garnered mixed reactions:
- Supporters applauded Wallen for “staying true to his roots”
- Critics accused him of being difficult to work with
- Industry insiders questioned the wisdom of the post ahead of his big performance
A History of Controversy
This isn’t Wallen’s first brush with SNL-related drama. The singer was previously scheduled to appear in 2020 before being removed after videos surfaced showing him violating COVID protocols. His 2021 return was seen as a redemption moment, but this latest incident threatens to overshadow that narrative.
The country star has also faced criticism for:
- A 2021 video showing him using a racial slur
- Multiple arrests for public intoxication and disorderly conduct
- Criticism of his collaborations with controversial artists
How “SNL” is Handling the Situation
Sources say SNL producers are taking a diplomatic approach, with Lorne Michaels personally involved in smoothing things over. The show has reportedly:
- Brought in Wallen’s preferred sound engineer
- Adjusted the musical arrangement to his specifications
- Scheduled additional rehearsal time
What This Means for the Live Show
All eyes will be on Wallen’s actual performance this weekend to see:
- Whether there’s any onstage tension
- If he addresses the controversy
- How the audience reacts
With country music’s relationship with mainstream entertainment already strained, this incident could have lasting implications for how Nashville artists are booked on major TV shows.