Contemporary country’s alleged deviation from the genre’s roots is a common talking point among music fans and critics.
That talk typically peaks during the country industry’s big awards shows.
It, predictably, surfaced during Sunday’s Academy Of Country Music Awards ceremony.
One target of such criticism was Kelsea Ballerini, who has emerged as one of the genre’s top female stars.
She performed her radio single “Yeah Boy” wearing a pink, glittery romper (somewhat similar to the blue number her friend Taylor Swift wore at the 2014 VMAs), and criticism predictably emerged regarding her outfit and the pop-leaning nature of the single.
Whether intended as a direct response to the criticism or a mere assertion of her musical identity, Ballerini commented in an Instagram post late Sunday night.
“I wear a lot of glitter, I have bass drops and programmed beats in my songs and performances, but ya know what, I write, sing, and LOVE country music and am so happy and humbled to be a part of such a beautiful night honoring it,” wrote Ballerini. “K BYE.”
Ballerini referenced a similar topic in a Tweet advertising her Xfinity Exclusive performance of new song “High School.”
“So proud of this song and excited to finally share it,” noted Ballerini. “Anddddd no bodysuits or beat drops….this time.”
Discussion over fitness for the ACM Awards stage is particularly interesting this year, given that the highlight for many viewers (and many of the big country stars in attendance) was Backstreet Boys & Florida Georgia Line’s decidedly non-country rendition of “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back).”
So proud of this song and excited to finally share it. Anddddd no bodysuits or beat drops….this time. ? thank you @ACMawards and @XFINITY https://t.co/1rxL2LDUSD
— Kelsea Ballerini (@KelseaBallerini) April 3, 2017
