Controversies are the most exciting topic that people want to hear. Maybe because they want to know the bad side of their favorite country superstars. Also, these artists are mere humans so most of the time, they make mistakes and wrong decisions. However, the media tend to make the scenario even worse. Have you ever heard your favorite country artist being arrested or being detained at a police station? I bet you did, in most cases, it is being done privately but no one can hide from the eyes of the press. In a matter of seconds, press people will be in front of the police station waiting to get a chance for an interview. Moreover, some media reporters fabricate stories so that their article or coverage will sell. Even more, some TV networks will create false accusations for them to get high ratings.
Anyway, that’s the sad reality and the other side of the coin of being a superstar. But come to think of it, maybe it’s just a coincidence that these stars were at the wrong place at the wrong time. Plus, they don’t realize that the eyes of the press are on them. Anyhow, what is your favorite controversy in country music? I won’t believe if you say that you don’t have one. There’s a lot of issues that happened like drunk driving, getting involved in a fight, or being arrested because of the influence of drugs. Through time, I have gathered some of the most remarkable controversies that people cannot get over with. I guess some of you have already forgotten these but let’s go ahead and refresh our memory. For sure, some of them will still shock you.
Just to give you a heads up, this is not a hate article. Some of these events really tickled the minds of its readers. So, all you need to do is enjoy it!
Beautiful Chely Wright Comes Out as Gay
Most people still don’t accept the gay community and they say these people are disgusting. Even more, there’s a lot of members of the LGBTQ community that are being bullied and treated as outcasts. There are a lot of people saying that being gay is a disease in society. But mind you, there’s a lot of famous artists who also support the LGBTQ community. Some of them are even members of the group
Do you remember the stunning Chely Wright? She is one of country music’s best singers. Plus, she even sold a lot of albums in the market and the most notable hit from her is “Single White Female.” Anyhow, this beauty shocked a lot of her fans when she comes out as a lesbian in 2010. Many were confused because Wright even dated Brad Paisley. But her coming out paved the way for her to write her own book entitled “Like Me: Confessions of a Heartland Country Singer.” She even said in an interview:
“There had never, ever been a country music artist who had acknowledged his or her homosexuality wasn’t going to be the first.”
Her bravery inspired a lot of people not to be scared and to be true to who you are.
Jason Aldean Cheating on his Wife
Being faithful to each other is a must, especially if you want your relationship to last. But most of the time, this rule in marriage is being neglected by some and this leads to divorce. Most of the time, it affects the emotional and psychological aspects of their children.
https://www.facebook.com/jasonaldean/photos/a.10150108842261539/10156143393806539/?type=3&theaterCheating celebrities are not new to the press. Mind you, there’s a lot of reports regarding this issue and Jason Aldean is not an exemption. This happened in 2012 when the country superstar was spotted kissing the American Idol contestant Britany Kerr passionately. The saddest part is, he is married at that time and had two wonderful children. Eventually, the country singer apologized on his Twitter account. But it’s too late because Aldean and his then-wife separated. And to the public’s surprise, he married Kerr. Maybe second choices are the best because right now it seems that they are happy with their new home and growing family.
Taylor Swift and her Magic Mic
When it comes to awards nights, there will be a lot of technical malfunctions that happen. Sometimes, there will be wardrobe malfunctions of the performers because it’s live. Plus, there are no scripted scenes that will happen. Who can remember what happened to Taylor Swift on the MTV Video Music Awards? Does it ring a bell when she was about to give her speech?
Well, to refresh your memory here’s what happened. The stunning Taylor Swift won Best Female Video at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. Of course, this was an honor for her and a privilege. When she walked on stage to give her speech, the ‘respectful’ Kanye West grabbed the mic from Taylor. And he uttered the words:
“I’m sorry, but Beyoncé had one of the best videos of all time.”
Well, it’s safe to say that this guy was not even thinking. Maybe he hated Taylor that much but regardless of how much he hated her, he needs to give the winner some respect. Apparently, his ill-mannered actions gotten unto the nerves of the crowd and he was booed. After the scandalous event, West was the talk of the town from news to gossip magazines. Even President Obama at that time commented:
“I thought that was really inappropriate. You know it was like she’s getting an award — why are you butting in? What’s he doing up there? He’s a jackass.”
And of course, to show her anger and disappointment, Taylor composed a song for his ‘friend’ Kanye West.
Dixie Chicks and the Former U.S. President Bush
I know this has been one of the most controversial topics in country music. Many people said that the Dixie Chick ruined their career by going against former U.S. President Bush. The lead vocalist Natalie Maines said on their concert in 2003:
“Just so you know, we’re on the good side with y’all. We do not want this war, this violence, and we’re ashamed that the President of the United States is from Texas.”
This happened from one of their concerts in England and the crowd did not even boo them. In fact, the audience supported Maines on her statement. Maybe she was just upset and had a lot of questions in regards to the military men being sent to battle. This is hard for them as an artist because they sympathize with the families that the soldiers left behind. Anyway, some of the supporters of Bush took this statement negatively. His cronies even created a system to call every radio station boycotting the hits of the Chicks. But this new struggle did not stop these brave young women in creating good music. In fact, until now they are still performing and they have their life back. But there are still haters out there who can’t move on. They may hate the Dixie Chicks but these ladies don’t even give a damn about it.
Spade Cooley Murdered his Wife due to an Alleged Love Affair
This has been one of the biggest issues in the ‘60s. Country superstar Spade Cooley murdered his wife Ella Mae. In addition, Spade was allegedly mad because of his wife’s secret love affair with Roy Rogers. And when the news reached him, he knew that he had to make the issue stop.
The night of April 3, 1961, marks the symbolic event in Spade’s life, this was the time when he brutally beat his wife to death. And, the worst part is, his daughter witnessed the beating. On his trial, the country singer said:
“There was a terrible thud, I rubbed her wrists, breathed in her mouth, put cold towels on her head, and I prayed.”
But it seems that his alibi was not a strong point for him to avoid going to prison. Apparently, he was convicted of first-degree murder. He spent his life in Carolina’s Vacaville Prison. Maybe he was able to meditate on his actions because Cooley was reported to be a good prisoner. Faith was still good to him because he was given parole but it’s sad that he died due to a heart attack.
The Country Super Star got arrested because of DUI
Of course, no one can forget the name Glenn Campbell and one of his famous hits “Rhinestone Cowboy.” But in 2003, this respected country artist made a big scene in breaking the rules. The police report says that Campbell was under the influence of alcohol and the worst part is, he hit a car. In addition, it was said that he kneed an officer when he was confronted. As a result, Campbell spent 10 days in jail and he was forced to do community service.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is really unacceptable because you are not just putting yourself in the line but also the life of other people. It’s a good thing that the police officer whom he kneed did not file additional charges.
Outlaw singer Willie Nelson was Convicted for Marijuana
We all know that his taste of music is different but his talent was spectacular indeed. Anyway, in 2006 Nelson’s tour bus was pulled over by a police officer in Louisiana. According to the police reports, they were able to find 1.5 pounds of marijuana. Again, it seems that he did not learn his lesson from his previous experience.
In 2010, he was again reprimanded because police officers found six ounces of marijuana in his car. In spite of this, some of his loyal friends and supporters came to his defense. Even the rapper Snoop Dog released a statement:
“If you got a problem with Willie Nelson, you got a problem with me”
After the big fiasco, Nelson and Snoop dog collaborated to release a masterpiece entitled “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die.”
Drunk and Naked Randy Travis got Arrested
Well, he is one of the most respected personalities in the music industry but I guess this man also has a dark side. It’s not new for us to hear superstars being arrested because of drunk driving or over speeding. Randy Travis is different because he was arrested drunk and naked! Yep, you heard me right, drunk and naked.
This controversy happened in August 2012 when he accidentally crashed at construction barricades. The police reports added that Travis even stopped at a convenience store to buy cigarettes and the worst part is he was naked. Come to think of it, why is he naked at that time? What happened to his clothes? Or maybe that’s an effect of being intoxicated with alcohol. The country singer faced these two charges, driving while intoxicated and felony. Moreover, this was not the first time that the country superstar faced legal charges against him.
To fix everything that he did wrong, Travis released a statement:
“I apologize for what resulted following an evening of celebrating the Super Bowl, I’m committed to being responsible and accountable, and apologize for my actions.”
Well, those are the biggest controversies that happened in the country music industry for the past years. But what is your favorite among the controversies? I bet you have a favorite. Anyway, regardless of how these country superstars acted. Please bear in mind that they also make mistakes and they are not perfect. Sometimes, all they are asking for is understanding and of course, if you are a loyal fan you will not judge them. Am I right?
