A night meant to honor the “King of Country Music” took an unexpected turn when Lainey Wilson’s tribute performance sparked a storm of online backlash.

George Strait, famously known as the “King of Country Music,” took center stage at the 2024 CMA Awards, earning the prestigious Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.

George Strait holding his award at The 58th Annual CMA Awards on November 20, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee. | Source: Getty Images