His Face Says It All’: Fans React to George Strait’s Expressions at the 2024 CMA Awards

George Strait made a rare appearance at the 2024 CMA Awards in Nashville on Wednesday, November 20. The country legend, known for hits like “I Cross My Heart,” was front and center at the 58th annual ceremony, but it wasn’t just his presence that caught viewers’ eyes—it was his mood.

Social media quickly picked up on the “King of Country’s” apparent disinterest in the newer sounds of country music celebrated that night. One X user posted a screenshot of the veteran singer at the event and commented, “George Strait done already had enough [sic].”

Another user expressed frustration, writing, “This era of country is just dumbfounding…. George Strait is also sick of it.” Some fans felt that Strait seemed out of place, with one tweet reading, “George Strait looks out of place at the CMA’s.”

Others speculated about his mood, suggesting that he was “probably miserable,” claiming, “Majority of the performances/music is pop, not country. Make country music country again.”

Observers also pointed out his lack of enthusiasm during certain performances. One user noted, “George Strait did not look thrilled when they cut to him during Shaboozey’s performance.”

More comments about Strait flooded the internet. One user humorously wrote, “He looks as thrilled to be there as I do when I’m stuck in a meeting that could have been an email.”

Another fan remarked that the event wasn’t the same, pointing out that “You know the #CMAawards ain’t the same anymore when George Strait isn’t impressed,” adding that ’90s country is far superior to the newer sounds.

Some couldn’t stop speculating about what Strait was thinking. One user shared, “All I can think about when watching the CMAs is what’s going through George Strait’s mind during some of these performances.”

Fans also begged for more camera time on the country legend. One person urged, “Can we just leave a camera on @GeorgeStrait for the rest of the @CountryMusic awards? His reactions are everything.”

As the night wore on, one user joked, joked, “If this doesn’t get a WHOLE lot better, real quick, George Strait may not even hang around for his award!” Another user, curious by his expressions, added, “George Strait looks troubled.” The person expressed concern “I wonder what was going through this legend’s mind.”

Strait’s expressions continued to capture attention. Some speculated that his disapproval was rooted in his deep connection to traditional country music and he couldn’t understand the direction country music was heading.

Another echoed similar sentiments, calling the current state of country music “garbage” and “embarrassing.” Others observed that Strait’s facial expressions spoke volumes, with one person commenting, “His face says it all.”

This led to another person imagining what must have been going through his mind, especially as newer artists like Post Malone performed what they deemed “country” music.

Others felt that Strait was likely thinking about how “ridiculous” country music had become, and expressed surprise that he even attended the event. As one observer put it, “The King sits there watching all the trash country music has become.”

Strait is set to receive the prestigious 2024 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s ceremony, a well-deserved tribute to his remarkable 40-year career in country music. CMA CEO Sarah Trahern praised Strait’s contribution to the genre, noting that few artists have been as authentically Texas and country as he has.

She emphasized that his influence has left a lasting impact on country music fans worldwide and that he serves as an inspiration to many of today’s top artists. Trahern also expressed her excitement about awarding him this well-deserved honor.

Strait’s incredible career includes 60 No. 1 singles and 33 multi-platinum albums. He also holds the unprecedented record of having a Top 10 hit every year for over three decades.

With more than 70 million albums sold and over 60 major entertainment awards, including 17 CMA wins, Strait is a true country legend. He holds the title of most-nominated artist in CMA history, with a staggering 83 nominations.

Past recipients of the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award include country legends like Kenny Rogers, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Kris Kristofferson, Charley Pride, Loretta Lynn, and Alan Jackson.