A lighthearted moment at the 2026 ACM Awards on May 17 quickly became one of the most talked-about backstage exchanges when Michael Bublé mistakenly referred to Riley Green as Canadian during an interview. The slip happened during a casual press interaction at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, where several artists and presenters were gathered throughout the evening.
Riley Green, who has been expanding his profile in both music and television, was attending a busy period in his career. Alongside continuing his country music releases, he has also recently made an acting appearance in a Yellowstone-related spin-off project and is set to join The Voice as a new coach in an upcoming season. His growing crossover visibility made him a notable figure at the ACMs, where he was seated near other established artists and industry personalities.
During a backstage interview with Entertainment Tonight, Bublé unexpectedly joined the conversation and spoke warmly about Green’s rising career. He praised the country artist’s musicianship and personality, even joking that he might “cheat” to support him if Green’s team ever competes on The Voice. The interaction was relaxed and friendly, with both artists appearing comfortable and amused.
The moment shifted when Bublé, who is Canadian, mistakenly introduced Green as a fellow Canadian musician while continuing his praise. Green initially tried to hold back laughter as the comment landed, briefly lowering his hat in a polite, humorous gesture as the realization set in. Bublé quickly corrected himself after realizing the mistake, asking if Green was not Canadian.
Green calmly responded with a short and playful clarification: “Alabama…it’s really close, actually.” The line immediately reframed the moment into humor rather than awkwardness, turning what could have been a simple correction into a widely shared highlight from the night.
The exchange quickly circulated among viewers and social media users, many of whom noted the relaxed chemistry between the two performers. Rather than correcting the mistake sharply, Green’s understated response helped keep the tone light and aligned with the informal atmosphere often seen in backstage award show interviews.
The incident also highlighted how ACM Awards coverage frequently extends beyond performances and trophies, with unscripted interactions often becoming some of the most memorable moments. In this case, the combination of Bublé’s enthusiasm and Green’s calm humor created a brief but widely appreciated exchange that stood out among the night’s more formal segments.
As both artists continue expanding their careers—Bublé through television appearances and Green through music, acting, and coaching roles—the moment served as a reminder of how quickly casual misunderstandings can turn into entertainment highlights in live event settings.
Source: Compiled from various sources
