Morgan Wallen has been one of the fastest-rising stars in country music for years. Despite some controversy along the way, the 32-year-old “Last Night” singer has topped the charts and has been nominated for several awards, including at the 2025 CMAs. His albums Dangerous: The Double Album and One Thing at a Time both reached the top of the Billboard charts, and his single “Last Night” hit number one on the Hot 100. He went on to release his 37-track album, I’m the Problem.
While Morgan is primarily a country artist, he’s collaborated with several rappers, releasing songs with Lil Durk, Drake, and Post Malone.
Here’s what else you need to know about Morgan:
It Took 2 Years for His Debut Album to Top the Charts
Morgan’s first studio LP, If I Know Me, was released on April 27, 2018. By then, he had already opened for the superstar country duo Florida Georgia Line during their 2017 tour, and FGL appeared on the album’s second single, “Up Down.” His third single, “Whiskey Glasses,” was released in the summer of 2018 and became a slow-burn hit, reaching number one on the country radio airplay charts in June 2019 and becoming one of the year’s biggest songs. If I Know Me finally reached the number one spot on the Billboard Country Album chart in August 2020, 114 weeks after its release.
Morgan was Cut from a 2020 ‘SNL’ Episode for Breaking COVID Quarantine
In 2020, Morgan broke strict COVID-19 quarantine rules set by SNL and was seen in several TikTok videos partying in Tuscaloosa, AL, after the University of Alabama’s football game the previous Saturday. In the videos, Morgan was at a bar and house party, taking shots, not wearing a mask, not social distancing, and kissing female fans.
On October 7 of the same year, the then-27-year-old shared an Instagram video from his New York hotel room, revealing that he had received a call from the show saying he would no longer be able to perform due to COVID protocols, which he understood. Morgan noted that while he had tested negative for the virus, his actions the previous weekend were “pretty short-sighted” and had impacted his long-term goals and dreams.
Two months after his original Saturday Night Live appearance, Morgan returned to the show as the musical guest. He had previously apologized for putting the cast and crew “in jeopardy” by partying without a mask and not social distancing, pledging to “work” on himself and take responsibility. During the Jason Bateman-hosted episode, Morgan performed two hits, “7 Summers” and “Still Goin’ Down,” and appeared in a sketch poking fun at his partying scandal.
In 2025, Morgan returned to the show and sparked more controversy when he abruptly exited during the traditional scene where guests and comedians interact as the end credits rolled. The episode, hosted by Oscar winner Mikey Madison, saw her thanking Morgan, who stood by her side before walking off the stage as others began embracing each other.
Thank you, Mikey Madison and @MorganWallen! Goodnight! pic.twitter.com/FDlInhhHqb
— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) March 30, 2025
After the episode, the singer shared a picture on his Instagram Story of a private jet on a runway, with the caption, “Get me to God’s country.”
Morgan Was a Contestant on ‘The Voice’
The singer appeared on 2014’s season six of the music competition. Surprisingly, the Tennessee-born country singer wasn’t on Team Blake Shelton, as he was initially with coach Usher and then Team Adam Levine before being eliminated in the playoff rounds.
Morgan Is a Father
Morgan welcomed son Indie Wilder in July with ex-fiancée Katie Smith. Morgan shared an Instagram photo cradling his little boy on July 1, writing, “Little Wilder, I’m a changed man. I see mine differently now. It’s not just me anymore, and I’m glad it’s not. This year has been the hardest of my life in so many ways, but that’s not what i will remember it by. You are.”
Morgan Was Involved in More Controversy When He Was Heard Using a Racial Slur
The “Wasted on You” singer was heard hurling the slur while heading into his Tennessee home. A video obtained by TMZ shows Morgan and his friends arriving at the house around midnight and making a ton of noise. Neighbors came outside, and one began recording the incident.
Morgan is heard telling someone to watch over one of the other guys in their group. Among other profanities, the country singer says, “take care of this p****-ass n*****.” On February 10, 2021, he posted a lengthy video apology to clarify some of his comments. “The video you saw of me was me on hour 72 of 72 of a bender and that’s not something I’m proud of either.” he explained, confessing he was “nervous” as he filmed the Instagram post. “I let so many people down…I’m not OK with that…I also accepted some invitations from some amazing Black organizations, executives and leaders to engage in some real and honest conversations,” he went on. “Our actions matter, our words matter, and I just want to encourage anyone watching to please learn from my mistakes. There is no reason to downplay what I did. It matters,” he shared.
Days before the video, he also apologized via a statement: “I’m embarrassed and sorry,” he said on February 5, 2021. “I used an unacceptable and inappropriate racial slur that I wish I could take back. There are no excuses to use this type of language, ever. I want to sincerely apologize for using the word. I promise to do better.”
