Country music star Morgan Wallen is finally speaking out about his sudden departure from Saturday Night Live on March 29. His early exit sparked confusion and online debate. Now, he’s setting the record straight.
“I’d been there all week”
Wallen appeared on Sundae Conversation, a podcast hosted by Caleb Pressley, where he addressed the moment.
“No, I was just ready to go home,” Wallen said when asked if SNL had upset him. “I’d been there all week.”
At the end of the show, Wallen walked off the stage right after host Mikey Madison signed off. He didn’t stay for the usual closing segment, where the cast and guests celebrate together. Soon after, he posted a photo of a private jet on Instagram with the text, “Get me to God’s country.”
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A viral moment becomes merch
Wallen’s post quickly gained traction online. Fans embraced the phrase, and Wallen capitalized on the moment. He launched merchandise branded with “Get me to God’s country,” turning the incident into a marketing win.
SNL jokes back
The following week, SNL poked fun at the situation. During Weekend Update, Colin Jost joked:
“Money is leaving the stock market faster than Morgan Wallen at goodnights.”
In the cold open, James Austin Johnson’s Donald Trump also used the phrase, drawing applause from the audience.
No drama behind the scenes
Sources close to the show said Wallen’s exit wasn’t a problem. He had used the same path to enter and exit the stage during rehearsals. The moment was likely routine for him, not personal.
SNL veteran Kenan Thompson also commented on the moment in an interview.
“We’re so used to everyone high-fiving and saying ‘Good job,’” he said. “So when someone leaves like that, it stands out.”
He compared the moment to Prince, who had also exited abruptly after performing.
“I’m not saying Morgan Wallen is Prince,” Thompson added, “but we weren’t surprised. Some artists just do things differently.”
Wallen’s SNL history
This wasn’t Wallen’s first headline involving SNL. In 2020, he lost a performance slot after violating COVID-19 protocols. A video showed him partying maskless in Alabama. He later apologized and was invited back that December. During his return, he even joined a sketch that joked about the incident.
Now, Wallen is preparing to release his new album, “I’m the Problem,” which includes 37 tracks and a collaboration with Post Malone. His SNL moment may have been brief, but it left a lasting impression.
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