A handful of GOP presidential candidates kicked off Saturday's debate on a bit of an awkward note as Donald Trump, Ben Carson and John Kasich failed to step on stage when they were introduced.

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ABC News debate moderator Martha Raddatz noted that the applause in the auditorium was so loud that candidates couldn't hear when they were introduced.

That prompted Carson to freeze in front of the camera off-stage, appearing to wait to be introduced. Trump and Kasich joined in later as other candidates who were called dodged the candidates as they took to the stage.

Carson joked about the mixup, suggesting that he was expecting to be introduced second and chiding Ted Cruz briefly over the controversial calls his campaign made to Carson supporters ahead of the Iowa caucuses suggesting that Carson was dropping out.