Brief
Tate McRae addresses backlash over Morgan Wallen duet
The pop star says the controversy over her collaboration with the country singer misrepresents her views.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Tate McRae reflected on the political backlash that followed the release of her 2025 duet “What I Want” with Morgan Wallen in a Billboard cover story published on Oct. 13, 2026. She said, “It’s crazy to think that one song could define a whole person,” adding that most of her audience is unaware of many aspects of her personality.
McRae noted that Wallen has faced criticism for a 2021 N‑word incident and his perceived support for President Donald Trump, though he has never publicly stated his politics. She told Variety earlier that year she expresses her views through the organizations she supports while on tour.
Key facts
- Tate McRae’s duet “What I Want” with Morgan Wallen reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2025. (billboard.com)
- McRae said a single song should not define a person’s politics. (billboard.com)
- Wallen apologized in 2021 for using the N‑word and is linked to Trump‑supporting country artists. (billboard.com)
- McRae previously told Variety she shares her political views through tour‑related organizations. (billboard.com)
Sources
- [1] billboard.com — originally reported as “Tate McRae on Morgan Wallen Collab Backlash: ‘Crazy to Think One Song Could Define a Whole Person’”
