Morgan Wallen Abruptly Walks Off ‘SNL’ Stage Before Show’s End, Posts Cryptic Message from Airplane

Morgan Wallen has left the building.

The 31-year-old country star appeared as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live on March 29, alongside host Mikey Madison, who won best actress for her role in Anora at the 2025 Oscars.

After performing a pair of songs from his forthcoming album, I’m the Problem, Wallen briefly joined the SNL cast at the end of the show, as is customary on the long-running sketch comedy series. He then whispered something into Madison’s ear, gave her a hug and abruptly walked off the stage at Studio 8H.

Soon after the incident, Wallen shared a photo on his Instagram Stories from his private plane, with the caption “Get me to God’s country” written over an image of the runway.

Billboard has reached out to Wallen’s representative for comment.

During his March 29 appearance on SNL, Wallen performed the title track from his upcoming album and later delivered the post-heartbreak anthem “Just in Case.” I’m the Problem is set for release on May 16.

The incident sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some criticizing Wallen’s actions on the show as rude. “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——,” one user posted on X. Another remarked that the artist’s behavior “couldn’t be more lame & undercutting coming from a country star.”

Other observers expressed support for the “Last Night” hitmaker. One X user commented that there’s “something SO pleasing about seeing Morgan Wallen storm off stage during goodnights. Don’t let the door hit ya!!!!!!!!!!” Another person added, “If you go back and watch the clips of Mikey with Morgan and Chloe from midweek (the hi I’m Mikey Madison and I’m hosting SNL this week with Morgan Wallen clips) you’ll see he didn’t want to shoot those either, and probably only did SNL cause his manager and agent made him.”

The singer-songwriter previously appeared on SNL in December 2020, performing “7 Summers” and “Still Goin Down” from Dangerous: The Double Album, which spent 10 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.

Wallen was originally scheduled to appear two months prior but was replaced at the last minute for breaking SNL‘s strict COVID-19 safety protocols at the time. During his debut appearance, Wallen also appeared in a sketch poking fun at the controversy surrounding him when he was photographed partying and not wearing a mask in Alabama.

This week’s SNL episode follows Lady Gaga’s appearance on March 8, where she performed double duty as both host and musical guest. Past season 50 musical guests have included Tate McRae, GloRilla, Hozier, Gracie Abrams, Shaboozey, Chappell Roan and Billie Eilish, among others.

In the upcoming weeks, Lizzo, Elton John, and Brandi Carlile are set to perform on episodes hosted by Jon Hamm and Jack Black.