Reason why Morgan Wallen abruptly walked off SNL stage during credits before everyone else

Morgan Wallen confused viewers after abruptly walking off the SNL stage before the credits had finished, but there's actually a reason why he broke the tradition.

The most recent episode of Saturday Night Live (29 March), saw the 31-year-old singer take to the stage in promotion of his soon-to-be-released album.

But Wallen left fans of the show confused, after leaving before the credits had finished rolling.

It's tradition on the show, which first aired in 1975, for guests, hosts, crew, and cast members to stay in view while the show ends.

But it seems that the star had good reason for doing so.

You can watch his abrupt exit in the clip below:

Actress Mikey Maddison, 26, hosted the show, but appeared thrown-off when the guest singer whispered something to her, before quickly departing.

Wallen abruptly moved past the camera to step off the stage, and soon after posted a picture on Instagram of a private jet, captioned: "Get me to God's country."

Speaking to Variety, insiders who work on the show have suggested that his quick departure from SNL was never meant to offend viewers.

Morgan Wallen shared this Instagram story after his SNL appearance (Instagram/@morganwallen)

In fact, the reason his exit played out like that, is because he had rehearsed it that way all week during camera blocking.

But it's safe to say viewers were far from impressed.

One user on X said: "Wow, Morgan Wallen just walking off the stage during the @nbcsnl credits? In decades of watching SNL, I don’t think I’ve ever seen that.

"For so many of us, that is sacred ground."

The star left the stage prematurely on Saturday night (29 March) (NBC)

Another noted that his actions 'couldn’t be more lame & undercutting coming from a country star'.

A third added: "If if he did it off-camera, it wouldn’t have been performative. He could have not posted the private jet photo after, but that’s all part of the garbage."

Others, however, weren't as bothered by the exit.

One said: "Something SO pleasing about seeing Morgan Wallen storm off stage during goodnights. Don’t let the door hit ya!!!!!!!!!!"

Another said: "Didn't look rude to me. He went out on stage with everyone at the end of the show, hugged and thanked the host, then walked off stage."

Wallen's latest album I'm the Problem is set to be released on 16 May, and SNL will return for another episode on 5 April - and viewers can look forward to a star-studded guest list.

This week, Jack Black will host the show, welcoming Elton John and Brandi Carlile as the musical guests.

Tyla has contacted Morgan Wallen for a comment.