Saturday Night Live writer Josh Patten took a playful jab at country music star Morgan Wallen following his abrupt departure from the NBC sketch show. Wallen, who performed two songs from his upcoming album I’m the Problem, including the title track and “Just in Case,” was featured during the show’s closing segment. However, his exit from the stage and subsequent social media post drew some attention, sparking a humorous response from Patten.
The 30-year-old singer performed a captivating live rendition of two tracks from his highly anticipated album, set to release May 16. Wallen’s appearance marked a special moment, as it was his second time on SNL, and the first since his controversial incident in 2021. In that incident, Wallen faced backlash after a video surfaced in which he used a racial slur while speaking to a friend. Though he issued a public apology, the incident led to a temporary professional setback, including radio stations removing his songs from their playlists and some award shows excluding him from nominations. Despite the controversy, Wallen has remained a dominant figure in country music.
During the closing credits of Saturday’s episode, Wallen was seen standing alongside guest host Mikey Madison, who had just won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Anora. As the credits rolled and the band played the outro music, Madison took a moment to express her gratitude to the SNL crew and audience, saying, “I had a wonderful time, thank you all.”
In a friendly exchange, Wallen gave Madison a quick hug and appeared to whisper something in her ear. However, instead of lingering on stage, Wallen quickly made his exit, leaving fans and the live audience to wonder what happened next. It was clear that Wallen was in a hurry to leave.
Shortly after, Wallen posted an image on his Instagram Stories, which featured a private jet on the runway with the caption, “Get me to God’s country.” The phrase “God’s country” is a reference to the title of one of Wallen’s popular songs, which has become an anthem among his fans.
This post didn’t go unnoticed by Patten, who decided to have a little fun at Wallen’s expense. The SNL writer posted his own version of the “God’s country” image to Instagram Stories. Instead of a private jet, Patten shared a photo of a Krispy Kreme truck with its back door open, mimicking Wallen’s post, but with the same caption: “Get me to God’s country.” Patten’s playful response quickly caught the attention of fans and the media alike.
After a news outlet picked up the story and speculated on Patten’s feelings toward Wallen, the writer responded with an eye-roll emoji, a subtle yet humorous reaction to the growing conversation. Patten also shared a screenshot of his Apple Music playlist from 2023, showing several of Wallen’s songs, indicating that despite the jest, he was still a fan of the artist’s music.
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Wallen, for his part, has not commented on the meaning behind his Instagram post, leaving fans to speculate on his motivations. The Hollywood Reporter reached out to representatives for both Wallen and SNL for clarification, but no official statements have been made as of now.
Wallen’s return to SNL marked a significant moment in his career. The last time he appeared on the show, his career was temporarily derailed by the fallout from the viral video. Despite the setbacks, Wallen has rebounded, and his popularity remains intact, with his music continuing to resonate with fans across the country. His upcoming album, I’m the Problem, is highly anticipated, and with tracks like “Just in Case,” the project is expected to cement his place as one of the biggest stars in modern country music.
While Wallen’s career trajectory has been anything but smooth, his resilience has been clear. His ability to make light of the controversies and continue engaging with his fans, both on and off social media, has kept him in the public eye. As the release date for I’m the Problem approaches, it will be interesting to see how fans and critics respond to the new music, as well as any future appearances or social media posts from the star.
In the meantime, Patten’s cheeky response serves as a reminder that, in the world of entertainment, humor often prevails as a coping mechanism for those navigating the highs and lows of public life. Whether he intended to provoke a reaction or simply offer a lighthearted take on Wallen’s post, Patten’s Instagram joke is a reminder that in the entertainment world, even the smallest moments can become the subject of playful commentary.
