Morgan Wallen, the reigning Academy of Country Music Album of the Year award-winner, is gearing up for a busy year with the release of his third album, "One Thing At A Time," and a world tour set to begin on March 15. However, Wallen's career has not been without controversy. In February 2021, he was caught on camera using a racial slur, which led to his suspension from his record label and the removal of his music from many radio stations and streaming platforms.
Wallen's fanbase remained loyal despite the setback, and his album sales increased following the controversy. His previous album, "Dangerous: The Double Album," spent ten weeks at the top of the Billboard 200 chart and became the first country album to spend its first seven weeks at No. 1 since 1992.
Wallen has since apologized for his actions and has been working to make amends. In January 2022, he donated $500,000 to organizations that support Black Americans and pledged to continue learning and growing.
With the release of "One Thing At A Time," Wallen hopes to move past the controversy and focus on his music. The album, which has 36 tracks, is a mix of country, alternative, and hip-hop influences and represents the highs and lows of Wallen's life.
Wallen announced he would do a special acoustic show in Tennessee to celebrate the album drop. The free show, scheduled for March 4 at the Bridgestone Arena, was so popular that all the tickets were distributed within a few hours of being made available.
The show will be in-the-round, with doors opening at 4:30 p.m. and the performance starting at 7:30 p.m. Despite some controversy last year, Wallen remains one of the most popular country artists in the world. His fans eagerly anticipate the release of "One Thing At A Time," and the sold-out show at Bridgestone Arena is proof of his enduring popularity.
Wallen's upcoming tour will see him perform on 63 dates across 30 stadiums, with opening acts like HARDY, ERNEST, Parker McCollum, and Bailey Zimmerman joining him on the road. Fans can visit Wallen's website for more information on his upcoming tour and to purchase tickets.
Some have criticized the country music industry for its lack of diversity and for not doing enough to address issues of racism and intolerance. Wallen's redemption story could test whether the industry will embrace change and hold its stars accountable for their actions. As Wallen grows and evolves as an artist, his fans and critics will watch closely to see how his career unfolds.
Comments / 9