Tate McRae Stands by Collaboration After Being Shocked by Morgan Wallen Backlash
Pop star Tate McRae has publicly defended her collaboration with country musician Morgan Wallen. The young artist expressed her surprise at the backlash she received following the release of their song, “What I Want.” According to McRae, the reaction was unexpected, as she hadn’t anticipated how intertwined her collaboration with Wallen would be with his previous controversies.
Tate McRae Stands by Collaboration with Morgan Wallen
In an interview with Rolling Stone, McRae stated, “I didn’t realize how much a song would be connected to all the other factors, and it really shocked me.” Despite the criticism, she expressed no regrets about working with Wallen, highlighting her appreciation for country music.
Background on the Collaboration
McRae, a Calgary native, mentioned her longstanding desire to explore different musical genres, particularly country and folk. She shared, “Country music is huge where I’m from,” and noted that the collaboration was an exciting opportunity.
- Song Title: What I Want
- Artist: Morgan Wallen featuring Tate McRae
- Billboard Achievement: Reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100
Ongoing Challenges for Morgan Wallen
Wallen has faced significant scrutiny over the years. In 2021, he was filmed using a racial slur, which led to his music being pulled from radio playlists and his label suspending him. He has continued to be a polarizing figure. In 2024, he pleaded guilty to a charge related to an incident at a rooftop bar in Nashville.
McRae’s Perspective on Controversy
Tate McRae emphasized that she views controversy and criticism as essential to growth. “I don’t think you should regret anything in life because it gives you so much clarity,” she stated. McRae believes that facing challenges can help shape a person’s future decisions.
McRae’s collaboration with Wallen remains a significant moment in her career. As she navigates the music industry, her experiences highlight how complex the relationship between artists and their collaborations can be, especially in the face of public scrutiny.
