Many fans, and even some country music stars were outraged when they learned that Garth Brooks had lip-synced his way through his performance at the Country Music Awards.
The 55-year-old singer took home top honors winning the entertainer of the year award for the second consecutive year and sixth time overall.
"Getting this presented to me by the entertainer of a lifetime, I thank you," he said, nodding at McEntire. "Miranda [Lambert] said it best, Little Big Town said it best "” we're a family."
In spite of winning this prestigious award, some people couldn't take focus off of his performance.
He blamed his grueling tour schedule for his strained voice after admitting he lip-synced "Ask Me How I Know," at the awards show.
"We decided to lip-sync it because my voice was just not there, and we wanted to represent country music the best we can," he said.
The country superstar had a run of 12 concerts in only 10 days, and his voice was exhausted.
He faced a lot of criticism about his performance, however.
"I keep a lot of my opinions to myself and respect anyone making music but as a person who tries to put on the best and most honest show I can night after night ."‰."‰. this truly offends me," singer-songwriter Anderson East tweeted. "I was told country music is three chords and the truth."
Things begun to heat up when Miranda Lambert, one of country's biggest stars sided with East's comments.
"High Five on this babe," she wrote. "If you can't sing then don't. It's better to be honest than to pretend. I think it's bull s"‘"‘"‘. My favorite performances in the show were live live. The truth."
While he has received a lot of criticism for his actions, big names in country are defending the music legend.
Several of Garth's industry friends have stepped up to defend the singer.
Randy Travis has encouraged people to empathize with the performer.
"Our family in music should be the 1st to understand," he wrote. "After you walk in our shoes, get back to us!" he tweeted.
Blake Shelton also reached out on Twitter to show his support.
"I still love you. #hero #respect," he tweeted.
Some fans didn't have a problem with it either.
"He didn't have to own up to it and he did right away," one Facebook commenter wrote. "He didn't try to hide it. He freely admitted it. There was no cover up. No scandal. I see no issue with it."
Watch his performance here:
"The man works his tail off adding shows and performing amazingly for his fans," another wrote. "Get over it. His voice was tired and he saved it for the paying concert goers!"
What do you think? Should he be ashamed of lip-syncing his performance?
Source: Country Living / Washington Post / People