George Strait’s ‘disgusted’ reaction to CMA Awards performance leaves fans puzzled

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: At the 57th Annual Country Music Awards on Wednesday night, November 20, George Strait, the 72-year-old icon known as the "King of Country," was honored with the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.

However, it wasn’t just his accolades that had people talking, it was his unfiltered reactions to the night’s performances that stole the show online.

George Strait’s unamused CMA reaction sparks online debate among fans

Before taking the stage to accept his award, Strait sat through a series of performances by artists like Lainey Wilson, Cody Johnson, Jamey Johnson, and Carrie Underwood. Fans watching at home couldn’t help but notice that Strait appeared less than enthused, with many joking that his expressions reflected a "disgust" for the current state of country music.

“What the hell has country gone too,” one fan quipped on X (formerly Twitter). Another added, “The so called Country singers today can not and never will hold a candle to the GOAT that is George Strait!"

The reactions kept coming, with one fan noting, "The new country sounds like 80s pop music. Some of it is okay, but overall it doesn't beat country music from the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. To each their own though."

One user commented, "I’m with George on this one. Country music ain’t no where near as good as it used to be. I honestly don’t even know who the majority of these “new” artists are."

"George Strait done already had enough," another fan observed.

"George Strait trying to figure out what the hell he’s watching as Bailey Zimmerman does cartwheels on the stage at the #CMAawards," a user said.

Another user commented, "The country music industry is in shambles. They are literally imploding, while the other wrote, "That was the worst shit i have ever seen. Nothing about that was country. Disgusting."

Others took the moment as a critique of modern country music, with one user stating, “George Strait looks very disgusted at the state of Country music. Nobody here is remotely Country music. Just Pop music and Bro Country. #CMAawards."

George Strait honored with Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement award at 2024 CMAs

George Strait, the iconic “King of Country,” was celebrated in grand style at the 2024 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, where he was presented with the prestigious Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. The ceremony, held on Wednesday night, brought together the biggest names in country music to honor Strait’s monumental impact on the genre.

The award, named after country legend Willie Nelson, recognizes artists whose careers have significantly influenced country music. With 44 chart-topping hits on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs list and over 100 million records sold, Strait’s legacy remains unparalleled.

The evening featured stirring performances from some of the genre’s brightest stars. Jamey Johnson performed 'Give It Away', a song he co-wrote with Strait, while Texans Miranda Lambert and Parker McCollum teamed up for a heartfelt rendition of Troubadour, one of Strait’s timeless classics.

Speaking about Strait’s influence, McCollum shared a personal connection, “George Strait’s music played while I was in the womb because my mom was such a fan, it’s the earliest music I remember hearing and falling in love with as a child,” McCollum said.

He also praised Lambert, saying, “She’s a Texan like me and a bona fide superstar. Working with her has been a dream come true.”

Strait later took the stage alongside Chris Stapleton for a powerful duet of Honky Tonk Hall of Fame from Strait’s latest album, 'Cowboys and Dreamers'. The performance earned a standing ovation from the crowd.

In his acceptance speech, Strait expressed gratitude to the CMA, the performers, and his family:

“I want to thank my family, who are all here tonight—my wife Norma, my son Bubba, his wife Tamara, and my grandkids Harvey and Jillian,” he said. “Especially Norma, who has supported me for just shy of 53 years—it’s been an amazing journey.”

Strait, who debuted in 1981 with Strait Country, has enjoyed a career spanning over three decades. Beyond his musical achievements, he’s also built a personal empire with an estimated net worth of $300 million, as reported by NDTV.COM.