HomeA"EntertainmentA"famousA"The 8 Most Controversial Country Music Stars
September 10, 2015
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We all love a song with a bit of a bad side, but sometimes country music stars can take it too far and get into juicy controversies that keep them making headlines for their behavior rather than their musical success. Taylor Swift isn't the only star feuding with other music artists! Here are our picks for the eight most controversial stars in the world of country music:
8. Zac Brown
Zac Brown started a major war in 2013 when he called Luke Bryan's number one single "My Kind of Night" "the worst song I've ever heard." He continued: "I see it as a commercial giant, successful within what's called country music these days, but I also feel like people deserve better than that." He tried to clear things up on Twitter: “My opinion is not about Luke as an artist, it's about that song. He didn't write it. I'm a fan of Luke, but definitely not that song,” he wrote to his followers. But Jason Aldean chimed in on the debate, siding with Luke, calling him "my boy" and commenting on Instagram: "For those people who are in their mouths, believe me when I say nobody gives a shit what you think." . It's a huge hit, so apparently the fans love it, which is all that matters. Keep doing your thing LB!!!”
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7. Jason Aldean
Of course, we have to include Jason Aldean on this list, since he's the one who got into the Zac Brown vs. Luke Bryan feud that had nothing to do with him. But Jason also caused controversy for another reason: In 2012, while he was married to Jessica Ussery, he began cheating on him withAmerican idolcontestant Brittany Kerr. She admitted that she had too much to drink at a bar and publicly apologized to her family, but ended up divorcing Jessica and later began officially dating Brittany. The two announced their engagement in early 2015, celebrating at a fancy party in Nashville. They wasted no time walking down the aisle and getting married in Mexico in March 2015 as part of a four-day extravaganza.
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6. Little Big City
Earlier this year, Little Big Town released a single called “Girl Crush” that caused quite a stir due to its sexy girl-on-girl lyrics. In the song, the group sings about jealousy in a relationship: “I want to taste her lips / Yes, because they taste of you... I want her magic touch / Yes, because maybe then you will love me so much / I have a girl in love”.Alana Lynn, co-host of the morning show on 104.3 FM in Boise, Idaho, said she received several phone calls from listeners who were angry about the lyrics, which they believed promoted a "gay agenda." Singers Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman were shocked by the protest; they love the lyrics, which were written by Liz Rose, Lori McKenna, and Hillary Lindsey. “It's great lyrics, such a beautifully written song about jealousy,” Karen said in an interview withWashington Post."It was like, 'Why don't we cut this out?'" The song hit #4 on iTunes, so perhaps the ladies knew what they were talking about.
Foto de REX Shutterstock
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5. Dixie Girls
Probably the most publicized country music controversy occurred in 2003, when crossover country queens The Dixie Chicks played a gig in London. Singer Natalie Maines told the crowd:“JJust so you know, we're on the good side with all of you. We don't want this war, this violence, and we are ashamed that the president of the United States is from Texas." Fans immediately boycotted the band, and record sales and tour revenue plummeted. Natalie clarified herself two days later, saying, "I feel like the president is ignoring the views of many in the US and alienating the rest of the world." She then issued a further apology: “As a concerned American citizen, I apologize to President Bush that my comment was disrespectful. I feel that whoever holds that position should be treated with the utmost respect. We are currently in Europe and witnessing a great deal of anti-American sentiment as a result of the perceived rush to war. While war may still be a viable option, as a mother, I just want to see all possible alternatives exhausted before the lives of American children and soldiers are lost. I love my country. I am a proud American." The Dixie Chicks also experienced minor controversy when listeners felt their single "Goodbye Earl" glorified the murder of a husband.
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4. Loretta Lynn
Dating back to 1972, country music icon Loretta Lynn sparked controversy with her song "Rated X," which explored the stigma attached to divorced women. Some of the lyrics include: "If you've been a married woman and things don't seem to work out / Divorce is the key to being loose and free for them to talk about you / Everybody knows you've loved once so they'll think you'll love again / You can't have a male friend when you're a female / you're X-rated," plus "All women look at you like you're bad and all men expect you to be. Miranda Lambert, who just announced she's divorcing her husband Blake Shelton, recently sang the song at the ninth annual ACM Honors in Nashville, where he presented Loretta with the Crystal Milestone Award. Miranda said of Loretta, "She sang songs that weren't necessarily appropriate to sing at times like this one for me. So I'm grateful for the empowerment of women."
(AP photo/James Crisp)
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3. Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood has never been afraid to sing about her Christian faith and her faith in God: One of her first singles was "Jesus Take the Wheel." But she made headlines for herself when she released the single "Something in the Water" last year because she apparently upset some of her atheist fans. The song features lyrics like "I couldn't hold back the tears so I fell to my knees/I said, 'God, if you're there, come and rescue me'/I felt love pouring down from above/I washed in the water, washed in the blood/And now I am changed.” Carrie responded to her alleged outrage in an interview withGlamourmagazine: “Country music is different. You've got that bible belt on it. I'm not the first person to sing about God, Jesus, faith [or] anything like that, and I won't be the last. And it won't be the last for me either. If you don't like it, change the channel." You could also argue that Carrie sparked controversy when she played Maria in NBC's love production ofThe sound of the music;the reviews were not good.
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2. Blake Shelton
Blake Shelton is not one to hold back his opinions, and he caused a bit of a stir when he said on a GAC special: “No one wants to listen to their grandfather's music. And I don't care how many of these old farts around Nashville say, 'My God, that's not country!' Well, that's because you don't buy records anymore, asshole. Kids do, and they don't want to buy the music you were buying." Willie Nelson wasn't too pleased with Blake's comments and decided to call his 2013 tour the "Old Farts and Jackasses Tour" in response.
(Photo by Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup)
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1. Eric's Church
Eric Church also had some choice words for Blake, criticizing his choice to join pop artists like Adam Levine and Christina Aguilera as a judge on the NBC music competition show.The voice.In a powerful interview withRolling Stonemagazine, Eric said: “Honestly, if Blake Shelton and Cee Lo Green flip each other in a red chair, do you have a deal? That's crazy. I don't know what would make an artist do that. You are not an artist. He continued: “Once your career becomes more than just music, then that's what it is. I will never make that mistake. I don't care if I starve." Miranda Lambert, Blake's wife at the time, took to Twitter to defend the man from her, writing: "Thank you Eric Church for saying I'm not a true artist. EITHER@Kelly Clarkson,@Carrie Underwood&@KeithUrbano. Your welcome to the tour in 2010”. O snap! That's the theme here: once two country music artists start a fight, someone else inevitably gets involved. And that someone can be a wife or a husband, because the world of country music is very small!
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FAQs
Who is the controversial country star? ›
The rise of Morgan Wallen, America's controversial country music star.
Who is the most honored female country music performer of all time? ›Eighteen times Grammy Award winner Loretta Lynn's long and successful career began in the 1950s when she began singing in small clubs in her area. Six decades of performing later, Lynn is the most awarded female country recording artist of all time.
Who is the most underrated country singer? ›- #8 Luke Bryan. Luke is arguably the biggest act in country music. But most people don't know how well rounded of an artist he really is. ...
- #7 Charlie Worsham.
- #6 Cody Johnson.
- #5 Lauren Alaina.
- #4 Kip Moore.
- #3 Aubrie Sellers.
- #2 Eric Church.
- #1 Brothers Osborne.
Hank Williams
With over fifty top 10 country hits, including “Move It On Over” and “Jambalaya,” he is considered by many to be the greatest country singer of all time. After getting his start on the radio, MGM Records signed Williams in 1947.
Tillis was a member of the Grand Ole Opry, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and Country Music Hall of Fame. Additionally, he was known for his stutter, which did not affect his singing voice.
Who is the rebel of country music? ›Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson are just some of the outlaw pioneers that have serenaded Denver with their unique sounds throughout the years. Check out our list of the top outlaw country singers past and present, and learn how this rebellious subgenre of country came about.
What female country singer has made the most money? ›- Dolly Parton. Net Worth: $675 million.
- Garth Brooks. Net Worth: $430 million.
- Shania Twain. Net Worth: $410 million.
- Toby Keith. Net Worth: $370 million.
- George Strait. Net Worth: $300 million.
- & 7. Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. ...
- Kenny Chesney. ...
- Alan Jackson.
1: Aretha Franklin
Topping our list of the best female singers of all time, Aretha Franklin also stands as the most-charting female singer in history. Starting out in the gospel choir at her Baptist church, in Detroit, Franklin began her career as a recording artist in 1960, aged just 18.
- Dolly Parton. The top spot on the list goes to perhaps the most influential country singer ever, Dolly Parton. ...
- Loretta Lynn. The Coal Miner's Daughter was the clear choice for second. ...
- Reba McEntire. ...
- Patsy Cline. ...
- Carrie Underwood.
- Miranda Lambert. Ethan Miller/Getty Images. ...
- Kenny Chesney. Kevin Winter/Getty Images. ...
- Aaron Watson. Advertisement. ...
- Eric Church. Lorie Liebig. ...
- Garth Brooks. Flickr/Carlos. ...
- Zac Brown Band. Ethan Miller/Getty Images.
Who was the wildest country singer? ›
- George Jones. ...
- Townes Van Zandt. ...
- Merle Haggard. ...
- Steve Earle. ...
- Loretta Lynn. ...
- Johnny Cash. ...
- Willie Nelson. ...
- Hank Williams.
As of 2015, George Strait holds the record for the most country number-one singles with 44.
Who is the true king of country music? ›George Harvey Strait Sr.
Given his influence on the genre, Strait been named the "King of Country Music by writers and music critics." Poteet, Texas, U.S.
George Strait…
Indeed, George Strait is known as the “King of Country.” Also, he is one of the most influential recording artists of all time. He, on the other hand, is one of the artists to bring country music back to its roots. And as mentioned above, he holds the record of having the most number one singles.
George Strait – ACM Winner Over Four Decades
Strait, the king of country music, has a remarkable career earning a total of 21 ACM Awards, spanning the course of four consecutive decades.
In his 1984 autobiography Stutterin' Boy: The Autobiography of Mel Tillis, America's Beloved Star of Country Music, he wrote the appearance of his stuttering,” Doctors say malaria always leaves you with something. Now I stuttered very badly, and I didn't even know it. Maybe my folks didn't want to hurt my feelings.
What country star was rejected by the voice? ›Maren Morris
She failed to make the cut on “The Voice” AND “Idol”.
DUBLIN — Country music star Tim McGraw collapsed on stage during a performance Sunday night in Dublin, Ireland, Rolling Stone magazine reported. McGraw's wife, singer Faith Hill, can be seen in a video on a fan's Instagram page saying, "He's been super dehydrated.
Who was the Four Horsemen of country music? ›The Highwaymen were an American country music supergroup, composed of four of country music's biggest artists who pioneered the outlaw country subgenre: Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson.
Who are the three outlaws of country music? ›Butch Hancock, Joe Ely and Jimmie Dale Gilmore formed the Flatlanders, a group that never sold huge numbers of albums, but continues to perform. The three founders have each made a significant contribution to the development of the outlaw genre.
Who was country music's first protest singer? ›
The very first protest singer/songwriter was a Swedish immigrant, born Joel Hagglund in 1879. After his parents died, he accompanied his brother on a ship bound for the US to find work. Somewhere on that journey he changed his name to the more Americanized Joe Hill, the name we know him by today.
What country female singer has sold the most albums? ›Canadian Shania Twain's 77.4 million global sales make her the bestselling female country artist of all time.
Who is the richest country singer alive? ›- Dolly Parton (Net Worth-$675 Million)
- Garth Brooks (Net Worth-$430 Million)
- Shania Twain (Net Worth-$410 Million)
- Toby Keith (Net Worth-$370 Million)
- George Strait (Net Worth-$300 Million)
- Kenny Rogers (Estimated Net Worth-$250 Million)
Shania Twain: Regarded as one of the best country singers of all time, Shania Twain had an extremely rough childhood. Twain was born in Ontario, Canada and grew up in the small town of Timmins.
Who has the most beautiful voice in the world female? ›Aretha Franklin
The Queen of Soul was unrivalled for decades when it came to having the best singing voice on the planet.
It broke three UK chart records in the process. With 44 years since her last number one, "Wuthering Heights" in 1978, Bush surpassed Tom Jones's 42-year gap between number ones and replaced Cher as the oldest female solo chart-topping artist at 63 years and 11 months.
What female country singer turned pop? ›Dolly Parton
After trying throughout the '70s to score crossover success, she became a mainstream pop culture figure in 1981, when her iconic song "9 to 5" hit #1 on the pop charts.
Billie Jean Horton (June 6, 1933 – Present)
This American country singer and songwriter has released nine music albums: Octopus, Ocean of Tears, Angel Hands, Come Back to Witchita, I Should Have Been the Bride, Johny Come Lately, I know I'll Never See Him Again, and Tell Him I can't See Him Anymore.
Petula Clark, 88
Today, Petula Clark is 88 years old, and she's been performing since she was a child.
- George Strait. With over 70 million records sold, George Strait is one of the most successful country singers of all time. ...
- Garth Brooks. ...
- Alan Jackson. ...
- Tim McGraw. ...
- Kenny Chesney.
Who is the hardest working band in country music? ›
Ricochet: The Hardest Working Band In Country Music.
Who sings someone killed country music? › Who is the missing country music singer? ›Luke Bell performing at the Tree Town Music Festival in Forest City, Iowa, in May 2017. Country musician Luke Bell's cause of death was an accidental fentanyl overdose, according to ABC 9 KGUN Tucson. Bell was found dead Aug. 29 at the age of 32, nine days after he was reported missing in Tucson, Ariz.
Who is the most cowboy country singer? ›Willie Nelson
Country music's beloved outlaw really lives the cowboy lifestyle on his massive Texas ranch.
- I Hope You Dance, Lee Ann Womack.
- Jolene, Dolly Parton.
- Live Like You Were Dying, Tim McGraw.
- Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning), Alan Jackson.
- Concrete Angel, Martina McBride.
- Choices, George Jones.
- Friends in Low Places, Garth Brooks.
- I Walk the Line, Johnny Cash.
"Body Like a Back Road" by Sam Hunt spends a record-breaking 34 consecutive weeks at number one on the Hot Country Songs chart. "Meant to Be", a collaboration between pop singer Bebe Rexha and Florida Georgia Line, breaks Hunt's record and goes on to spend 50 consecutive weeks at number one on Hot Country Songs.
What is #1 country song? ›iTunes Top 100 Country Songs Chart
Sales chart of today's iTunes top 100 country songs 2023 is updated several times a day and was last updated Pacific Time. The current number one country song on iTunes is: Fast Car by Luke Combs.
Starting in the 1950s, Kitty Wells, known as "The Queen of Country Music," recorded hit after hit at a time when women didn't have hits in country music.
Who is the queen mother of country music? ›Mae Boren Axton (September 14, 1914 – April 9, 1997) was known in the music industry as the "Queen Mother of Nashville." She co-wrote the Elvis Presley hit single "Heartbreak Hotel" with Tommy Durden.
Which singer is king? ›Share: New Delhi: Arpan Kumar Chandel, who's better known by his stage name King, and has become a household name with his rap number, 'Sahi Galat', in the Ajay Devgn-starrer hit movie 'Drishyam 2', is all set to perform at the Wireless Festival at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
Who is the greatest singer songwriter of all time? ›
| Rank | Name | Lifetime |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bob Dylan | May 24, 1941 – present |
| 2 | Paul McCartney | June 18, 1942 – present |
| 3 | John Lennon | October 9, 1940 – December 8, 1980 |
| 4 | Chuck Berry | October 18, 1926 – March 18, 2017 |
| "Best Song Ever" | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3:22 |
| Label | Syco Columbia |
| Songwriter(s) | Wayne Hector John Ryan Ed Drewett Julian Bunetta |
| Producer(s) | Julian Bunetta John Ryan Matt Rad |
According to Guinness World Records, Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" (1942) as performed by Bing Crosby is the best-selling single worldwide, with estimated sales of over 50 million copies.
Who is the number 1 country star right now? ›Billboard has named Zach Bryan as the leader of the pack in their Top New Country Artists of 2022 ranking. Bryan takes the No. 1 spot, followed closely behind by Bailey Zimmerman, Jelly Roll, Nate Smith and Ernest.
What was the controversy at the country music Awards? ›Conservative commentator Tomi Lahren lashed out at singer Kelsea Ballerini who performed onstage at the CMT awards with a group of high-profile drag queens. Ballerini, who served as co-host of the awards show performed her hit "If You Go Down (I'm Goin' Down Too)" during Sunday's ceremony in Austin, Texas.
What country singer has controversial wife? ›Brittany Aldean, the wife of country singer Jason Aldean, has turned the controversy over her recent transphobic remarks into new t-shirts that incorporate references to Barbie and some favored right-wing slogans.