‘We Left. As Did LOTS of the Crowd’: Fans Shame Miranda Lambert for Her Behavior at Montana Festival – What Happened?

Miranda Lambert is facing criticism once more for her actions at a recent music festival, disappointing many supporters. This isn’t the first instance the country singer has been criticized for her onstage behavior, and her latest actions seem to have pushed some concert attendees away even more.

The event took place during her set at the Montana Festival on July 14. A video taken by a spectator showed Lambert scolding the audience. The clip, which quickly went viral on social media, displays the artist clearly upset with the crowd. Wearing a cowboy hat and a denim dress with tassels, Lambert spoke directly to the audience, highlighting those who weren’t paying attention to her performance.

In the recording, Lambert is heard saying, “I can see your head is not turned the right way, which is this way,” while gesturing towards herself. Her southern accent and stern voice made it apparent she was irritated by the distraction. Some fans cheered in response, but it was clear that others were surprised by her outburst.

Miranda Lambert backstage at the 59th Academy of Country Music Awards from Ford Center at The Star on May 16, 2024 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Penske Media via Getty Images)

During the incident, Lambert didn’t hesitate. “So, if you came to visit, you can do it somewhere else,” she continued, indicating she didn’t want to engage with those not fully invested in the show. To fans ready to enjoy the concert, Lambert assured them, “If you came to sing and hear some country music and drink some beer […] then we’re doing that tonight.”

Her irritation wasn’t only directed at distracted audience members. She also addressed people in the crowd who seemed to be causing trouble. “Are we clear?” Lambert asked, raising her hands as if speaking to those involved in a fight. She made a humorous remark about it, saying, “Fighting is not ok […] And it’s always the girls. We get crazy!” Her tone changed as she laughed, trying to ease the tension before lifting her cup in a toast to the audience.

After raising her cup to toast, Lambert noticed her drink was empty. She quickly shook her cup towards the stage crew, asking for a refill. “Mine’s empty,” she said, and within moments, a team member provided her with a new drink. “This looks like a good time for a drink y’all!” she yelled, arms wide open, as she tried to move past the crowd’s tension.

A TikTok user shared the video with a caption asking for thoughts: “Thoughts? 🤷🏻‍♀️ #mirandalambert #underthebigsky #whitefishmontana #countrymusic.” As predicted, the comments section was filled with reactions, many negative. “We left. As did LOTS of the crowd,” one attendee shared. Another called the situation “terrible,” and someone else mentioned, “I stopped liking Miranda for this exact reason.”

Fans who had seen Lambert’s behavior at past events also shared their opinions. “This has always been her. I remember it from her county fair days. [Never] paid to see her again,” one person commented. The backlash grew, with another TikTok user saying, “Miranda, [you’re] okay at best. Not amazing. Please respect your fans more. They made you what you are. Without them you’d be some nobody working at Dairy Queen. Respectfully, just shut up and sing.”

Not everyone was unhappy with Lambert’s actions. One fan in the front row praised her performance, saying, “Honestly she was amazing. We were right up front and loved every second of it.” Another fan echoed similar feelings, saying, “🔥🔥🔥🔥 I LOVE her. Always have. Has been a huge influence for me. She is just brutally honest. Something so many of us lack. Honesty!”

This isn’t the first time Lambert has been in the spotlight for addressing her audience. She is known for being outspoken during her shows. At a previous concert in Las Vegas, while performing her hit “Tin Man,” Lambert paused to talk to a group of women taking selfies. She was clearly frustrated and asked her band to stop playing before pointing out the women in the audience. “These girls are worried about their selfie and not listening to the song, and it’s pissed me off a little bit,” she stated.

The crowd reacted with loud cheers, but Lambert stood her ground, repeating her annoyance with the selfie-taking during an emotional part of the show. Similar to her recent comments, she emphasized that people should focus on the music. She gestured for the women to put their phones away, asking, “Shall we start again?” As her pianist began the song again, some audience members left the venue, visibly upset by the exchange.

Miranda Lambert at the 59th Academy of Country Music Awards from Ford Center at The Star on May 16, 2024 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Penske Media via Getty Images)
Social media users kept discussing Lambert’s actions. “Yikes this was completely out of line and awkward. She’s not a teacher here 😅,” one TikToker commented about the Montana event. Another person sympathized with the fans Lambert addressed, writing, “Omg… and then imagine how they felt after this???” Someone else found the situation funny, saying, “The people leaving right after she did it lmaoooo that was great!” A Taylor Swift fan even added, “Taylor [Swift] would never 😏.”

Lambert’s straightforward way of dealing with her audience continues to split fans, with some valuing her honesty and others finding it off-putting. As a performer who always speaks her mind, Lambert’s interactions with her fans highlight her strong character. While she still draws large crowds and loyal followers, it’s clear her onstage behavior makes some question if they will attend her future shows.

The discussion about Miranda Lambert’s actions at the Montana Festival highlights how divisive she can be. Some admire her direct attitude and genuineness, while others dislike her confrontational style. Nonetheless, Lambert remains true to herself, and whether it’s good or bad, she isn’t afraid to express her feelings to her audience.