By Parrot Newspaper Morgan Wallen’s Early SNL Exit: Breaking Tradition or Sending a Message?
A Controversial Goodbye on Live TV
Morgan Wallen’s latest appearance on Saturday Night Live (SNL) has sparked a heated debate after the country singer bucked long-standing tradition by leaving the stage before the rest of the cast and crew.
The 31-year-old musician served as the musical guest on the March 29 episode, hosted by actress Mikey Madison. However, as the show wrapped up, Wallen whispered something into Madison’s ear before making a swift exit, walking past the camera while the rest of the cast stayed behind for the customary goodnights.
Shortly after, he posted a photo of a private jet with the words, “Get me to God’s country,” on his Instagram story, leaving fans and critics speculating about his abrupt departure.
What Really Happened?
A source close to Wallen later clarified to Variety that the singer had no ill intentions. The insider stated that Wallen had been arriving and leaving the SNL studio in a similar fashion throughout rehearsals and simply wasn’t thinking about how his departure would be perceived.
Still, for a show that prides itself on its traditions, his quick exit stood out. The customary closing moments of SNL serve as a symbolic sign-off, showcasing the camaraderie between hosts, cast members, and musical guests. Skipping this moment made Wallen’s actions seem deliberate, even if they weren’t intended as such.
The Social Media Backlash
As expected, Wallen’s early departure did not go unnoticed by fans and critics online. Many X (formerly Twitter) users voiced their disappointment, interpreting his actions as dismissive.
> “Wow, Morgan Wallen just walking off the stage during the @nbcsnl credits? In decades of watching SNL, I don’t think I’ve ever seen that. For so many of us, that is sacred ground. What an a——.” — X user
> “Couldn’t be more lame & undercutting coming from a country star.” — Another X user
On the flip side, some fans celebrated his exit, calling it a power move. One supporter wrote:
> “Something SO pleasing about seeing Morgan Wallen storm off stage during goodnights. Don’t let the door hit ya!!!!!!!!!!”
Another suggested that Wallen was never enthusiastic about the appearance in the first place:
> “If you go back and watch the clips of Mikey with Morgan and Chloe from midweek, you’ll see he didn’t want to shoot those either, and probably only did SNL cause his manager and agent made him.”
Wallen’s Rocky History with SNL
This isn’t the first time Wallen has made headlines for his involvement with Saturday Night Live.
In 2020, he was originally slated to perform on the show but was disinvited after being seen partying maskless during the COVID-19 pandemic, violating safety protocols. However, SNL later gave him a second chance, and he performed on the show in December of that year.
Given this history, some viewers speculate that Wallen’s recent actions could be a reflection of lingering resentment or indifference toward the show.
Was It Intentional or Just Wallen Being Wallen?
Whether Wallen’s exit was a genuine oversight or a subtle statement, it reinforces his reputation as a polarizing figure in the music industry. His unapologetic, rebellious attitude has been both a strength and a point of controversy throughout his career.
With his upcoming album I’m the Problem set for release on May 16, this incident—whether planned or not—keeps his name in the headlines, further fueling curiosity and conversation around his music.
What’s Next for SNL?
Saturday Night Live will return on April 5 with Jack Black as host and Elton John & Brandi Carlile as the musical guests.
As for Wallen, his actions may have ruffled some feathers, but if history has shown anything, it’s that controversy often only amplifies his appeal to his core fanbase. Whether SNL extends another invitation in the future remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Morgan Wallen does things his way, for better or worse.