Eric Church Offends Fellow Country Singer, Blake Shelton, In Interview.
After doing an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, Eric Church has offended some fellow country music artists. During the interview Church spoke about reality shows such as American Idol and The Voice and his opinions on them.
“It’s become American Idol gone mad. Honestly, if Blake Shelton and Cee Lo Green f—–g turn around in a red chair, you get a deal? That’s crazy. I don’t know what would make an artist do that. You’re not an artist.” -Church
“Once your career becomes about something other than the music, then that’s what it is. I’ll never make that mistake. I don’t care if I f—–g starve.” -Church
Miranda Lambert quickly took to twitter and said “Thanks Eric Church for saying I’m not a real artist. Or @kelly_clarkson, @carrieunderwood & @KeithUrban. Your welcome for the tour in 2010.” This was after Blake Shelton tweeted “I wish I misunderstood this…”
Church’s exact wording was pretty harsh, but did Lambert put words in his mouth? He never called anyone out by name except Shelton. Both Church and Lambert are known for their outspoken personalities and this situation proves it.
Church soon put out a public response.
“The comment I made to Rolling Stone was part of a larger commentary on these types of reality television shows and the perception they create, not the artists involved with the shows themselves. The shows make it appear that artists can shortcut their way to success. There are a lot of artists due to their own perseverance that have gone on to be successful after appearing on these shows, but the real obstacles come after the cameras stop rolling. Every artist has to follow up television appearances with dedication towards their craft, but these shows tend to gloss over that part and make it seem like you can be ordained into stardom.”
“I have a problem with those perceived shortcuts, not just in the music industry. Many people have come to think they can just wake up and have things handed to them. I have a lot of respect for what artists like Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson and my friend Miranda Lambert have gone on to accomplish. This piece was never intended to tear down any individual and I apologize to anybody I offended in trying to shed light on this issue.”
“I am grateful for all of the artists and fans that have supported me along my journey and certainly did not mean for my comments to undermine their talent and achievements.”
The worst thing about this whole situation is the fact that these artists were all friends before. We never like to see things like this happen in the country music world, but we have to ask…What do you think about everything that was said? Do you think there could have been some over-reactions? Or, do you think some offense should have been taken?
Let us know!
Miranda was on Nashville Star..a music reality program. Of course everyone knows that Kelly Clarkson was on Idol, so that would explain why Miranda took “offense” with his comment about the music reality shows. Beside, she’s also been on The Voice with Kelly helping artists on there for Blake.
I think this was totally blown out of proportion, I understand what Eric Church was trying to say, its a damn shame some of the others don’t. Eric Church needs to watch what he says though because if you don’t kiss ass in this town, the choice few will ruin you.
I could understand how a comment like Eric Church's can be interpreted as offensive an belittling of those artists who have been associated with music reality shows. There is nothing wrong with taking advantage of any opportunity that could get their voices heard and their talent advertised to the masses. As a matter of fact, in recent years it has even highlighted the country music genre like never before. I think his clarification of his statement was not only right, but smart. Although, Eric has lots of talent and some real popular songs at the moment, it's not very wise to come off so arrogant and shooting off his mouth after he just came to town.