The Republican debate in New Hampshire got off to an awkward start on Saturday night. When Ben Carson was called to the stage, he hesitated and lingered in the hallway, seemingly struggling to hear the announcers.

Here's that botched #GOPDebate introduction in all its gloryhttps://t.co/KOBE3dpeGv — Mashable (@mashable) February 7, 2016

Ted Cruz came out a minute later when he was announced, awkwardly stepping by him and shrugging as Carson waved him past.

It wasn't just Carson. Donald Trump seemingly couldn't hear either, coming out hesitantly and hovering uncertainly behind Carson as they tried to figure out what the heck to do on national TV.

They finally got re-announced and came out — as John Kasich peeked around the curtain waiting to hear his own name. The announcers genuinely forgot him, and had to backtrack to admit sheepishly that he should be heading out too.

Carson joked about the hiccup as he was asked his first question.

"When I wasn't introduced number two as was the plan, I thought maybe you thought I'd already dropped out," he said with a laugh.

Seven of the remaining Republican candidates faced off for another debate with just over two days days left before the New Hampshire primary.

Moderated by "World News Tonight" anchor David Muir and ABC's Chief Global Affairs Correspondent Martha Raddatz, the debate can be watched here:

The debate included GOP frontrunner, Trump, who skipped a Fox News debate a week ago, as well as his principal challengers Cruz and Marco Rubio.

Also on stage was Jeb Bush and Chris Christie. Conspicuously missing was Carly Fiorina, whose position in recent polls was not high enough to make the cut, according to network rules.