Jeff Bridges, 74, ended the 2024 Country Music Association Awards on an awkward note when he mispronounced the name of the winner of the night's top honour, Entertainer of the Year.
The actor, best known for his role in The Big Lebowski, presented the award to Morgan Wallen, but instead of saying 'Wallen', he pronounced it closer to 'Waylon'. Wallen was not present at the ceremony.
Bridges initially attempted to accept the award on Wallen's behalf, but Lainey Wilson stepped in to accept for the absent singer. She was then flanked by Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, who presented her with a T-shirt reading 'Luke, Pey + Lay'.
Fans on social media reacted strongly to the mispronunciation. Some found it 'objectively hilarious', while others criticised Bridges, with one user saying he had 'no business' being at the CMAs if he did not know how to pronounce Wallen's name. Some blamed the organisers for not providing phonetic guidance.
Despite the blunder, Bridges received a warm reception when he took the stage, remarking, 'Ahh, man! I should come here more often, man!' before ironically adding, 'It's the biggest award of the night, so let's not screw around, OK?'
