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SNL Skewers Morgan Wallen’s Bizarre On-Stage Exit
Saturday Night Live (SNL) swiftly turned its comedic lens onto country singer Morgan Wallen, lampooning his unexpected departure from the stage at the conclusion of a recent episode. The sketch comedy show addressed Wallen’s unusual exit, where he left abruptly as the credits rolled and reportedly skipped the after-show gathering for what he referred to as “God’s Country.”
Trump Parody Takes Aim at Wallen’s “God’s Country” Remark
The jab occurred during the April 5 show’s opening sketch, featuring cast member James Austin Johnson portraying former President Donald Trump. In the skit, Johnson’s Trump was presenting a rundown of his “Liberation Day” reciprocal tariffs when he delivered the comedic hit aimed at Wallen.
Johnson, positioned in a mock-up of the White House Rose Garden, showcased oversized visual aids, mimicking the former president’s style, to illustrate the various tariffs being imposed on global countries and regions.
“It’s time for the really substantial piece of cardboard,” Johnson quipped, summoning Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, played by Andrew Dismukes, to bring out a larger board.
The comedic sketch extended the tariffs to include Heard Island and McDonald Islands – remote Australian territories devoid of human population and primarily inhabited by penguins.
Comedy Extends to Fast Food and Country Quips
“Ooh McDonald Island, I’d be thrilled to visit,” Johnson’s Trump remarked. “Imagine a Big Mac and a Hula skirt, oh la la.”
Johnson then called for a visual depiction of an island populated by animated menu items from the fast-food restaurant chain.
“Get me to God’s Country. Remember that, wow,” he stated, directly referencing Wallen’s cryptic message following his peculiar stage exit the previous week.
The Grammy-nominated musical performer had earlier in the show performed his hit singles “I’m the Problem” and “Just in Case” as the evening’s musical guest.
Wallen’s Exit Sparks Online Buzz and SNL Commentary
Following the sign-off by host Mikey Madison and the commencement of the closing credits, Wallen embraced the Oscar-winning host before walking off-stage directly towards the cameras and out of view.
Typically, the host and musical guest engage with cast members, exchanging hugs and handshakes, before the broadcast concludes.
Wallen’s departure left both viewers and SNL cast members puzzled and speculating.
“Get me to God’s Country,” Wallen posted on his Instagram Story, accompanied by a photograph of a private jet at an airport, without providing further clarification.
Wallen’s social media post quickly ignited conversation, rapidly transforming into an internet meme.
The Empire State Building’s social media account even joined in, sharing a black and white image on Instagram with a caption referencing Wallen’s now-famous phrase.
SNL writer John Patten also participated in the online jest, posting a photo of a Krispy Kreme delivery truck with the same enigmatic question.
Veteran cast member Kenan Thompson jokingly suggested Wallen’s exit was simply due to needing a bathroom break, offering a lighthearted explanation for the singer’s actions.
“God’s Country” Becomes Marketing Opportunity
Capitalizing on the ensuing confusion and the phrase’s popularity, the “Last Night” singer promptly turned “Get me to God’s Country” into a merchandise line.
In a marketing maneuver, Wallen promoted his newly launched merchandise collection featuring the phrase, “Get me to God’s Country.”
Weekend Update Joins the Mockery
The comedic jabs at Wallen continued later in the Saturday Night Live episode during the popular “Weekend Update” segment.
Co-host Colin Jost drew a parallel between Wallen’s swift exit and the volatility of the stock market following the announcement of the tariffs.
“Just in the past two days, investors have lost more than $6 trillion,” Jost quipped. “Money is exiting the stock market faster than Morgan Wallen at good nights.”