Eric Church Apologises For Offending Fellow Country Music Stars Miranda Lambert & Carrie Underwood
Wednesday, 02 May 2012
Written by Elliott Batte
Country singer-songwriter Eric Church has apologised to fellow country stars Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood after claiming that stars who began their career on talent contested-based television shows didn't 'deserve' their success.
Church made the comments in an interview with Rolling Stone, where he said: “Honestly, if Blake Shelton and Cee Lo Green fucking turn around in a red chair, you got a deal? That's crazy. I don't know what would make an artist do that. You're not an artist.”
While the comments were probably aimed at certain artists rather than others, fellow country stars Miranda Lambert took particular offence. Posting through her Twitter, Lambert, who found fame through television show Nashville Star, responded to the comments saying: “Thanks Eric Church for saying I'm not a real artist. Or Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban. You're welcome for the tour in 2010.”
But, after realising he'd caused a stir, he backtracked on the comments, and claimed that he was hitting out at the idea of the shows and not the artists who feature on them.
Church told US Weekly: “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.”
He continued: “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 apologise 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.”
You can catch Eric Church performing in Huntington on Thursday May 10th. If you need tickets, check the dates and details below.
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