Country music fans lose it over ‘disgusted’ George Strait’s reaction to CMA performance

George Strait sent fans into fits of laughter with his reactions as he watched a series of performances at the Country Music Awards on Wednesday night.

Often referred to as the ‘King of Country’, the legendary artist, 72, was honored with the prestigious Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution to the genre.

But before he took to the stage to accept the award, George had to sit through performances from the likes of Lainey Wilson, Jamey Johnson, Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood – and the crowd were quick to point out that he didn’t look particularly impressed.

Regarding X, viewers noted that George seemed “disgusted with the state of country music” and flooded the social media platform in hysterics.

One wrote: ‘George Strait is sitting there at (the CMAs) saying to himself where am I? Country has gone to this?’

Another said: ‘My whole timeline is just pictures of George Strait looking disappointed.’

A third laughed: ‘George Strait trying to figure out what the hell he’s looking at when Bailey Zimmerman does cartwheels on stage at (the CMAs).’

“George Strait looks very disgusted with the state of country music,” added a fourth. ‘None here is remote country music. Just pop music and Bro Country.’

A fifth continued: ‘These quick cuts to George Strait in the audience make me crack up.

‘He looks as excited to be there as I do when I’m stuck in a meeting that could have been an email.’

The 2024 CMA Awards kicked off with a bang as Chris Stapleton delivered an impressive performance alongside a surprise guest.

Dressed in his signature black pants, shirt and jacket, topped off with his iconic cowboy hat, the country legend commanded attention from the start.

He was joined by Post Malone, who made his CMA debut following the release of his first country album, F-1 Trillion, in August.

The rapper-turned-country star matched Chris’ look in a black suit and cream cowboy hat, bringing an unexpected but effortless energy to the stage.

Together they performed California Sober, a track from Post Malone’s debut country album.

After the heartfelt tributes, George took the stage and offered emotional shout-outs to his fans, friends and family – especially to his wife of 53 years, Norma.

“I want to thank the CMAs for adding my name to the incredible list of artists who have been named after the icon Willie Nelson,” he began.

‘I want to thank all these amazing artists who performed some of my songs that I have recorded over the years. It’s great to hear you all do them.

‘I’m so glad I got them before you.

‘So nice to have you all here. But especially Norma, who has supported me for just 53 years in December. It has also been a fantastic 53 years.’

George has had a career spanning four decades, with 60 number one hits to his name – more than any other artist in any genre.

Debuting in 1981 with his album Strait Country, he quickly became known for his traditional country sound and distinctive voice.

George has won numerous awards, including a staggering 22 Academy of Country Music Awards and 20 Country Music Association Awards, including Entertainer of the Year in 1989 and 1990.

He was also inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006.