Critics are blasting country queen Miranda Lambert as an ingrate after rising to popularity by opening for the likes of George Strait and Toby Keith but not affording emerging musicians the same opportunities.
The 40-year-old singer is embarking on a tour following her Las Vegas residency, but will have no opening acts, a new report claimed.
“Miranda says a lot of her summer dates are at fairs and festivals, so she doesn’t feel she needs to take another artist out on the road with her,” an unnamed source told The National Enquirer.
“She’ll also be able to do longer sets and give fans more of … her. But a lot of people feel Miranda may have gotten too big for her britches. George Strait took a chance adding her to his 2006 tour when she was a nobody, and she could give another new artist that same kind of break,” the insider went on.
Miranda, for her part, points out that she has long supported other artists, particularly women. “I’ve been [supporting female artists] since day one. I will continue to do it because it’s part of who I am,” the former wife of Blake Shelton declared.
“It really wouldn’t have been any skin off Miranda’s nose to take an up-and-comer out with her,” the informant claimed.
Business Times has reached out to Miranda Lambert for comments.
Meanwhile, Us Weekly reported that Miranda has no qualms with Beyoncé’s foray into country music.
“The more people that are interested in country music, the better for all of us,” the “Mama’s Broken Heart” singer told the entertainment news outlet earlier this month when asked about artists like Beyoncé, 42, and Lana Del Rey experimenting with the genre.
“We’ve always had a little bit of something for everyone, but it’s just kind of not been advertised that way. All these other kinds of artists are making country records [now], and if that brings more eyeballs to our little circle we have, I’m thankful. I think that we have to just be open,” Miranda shared.
The "Hell on Heels" singer, who spoke with Us while promoting her collaboration with Lone River, also stated that she will always encourage musicians in evolving in their own unique way.
“Authenticity, that’s what I approve. And if that means country music right now and that’s authentic, then that’s all you can say,” Miranda stated.
Beyoncé released "Cowboy Carter," also known as "Act II: Cowboy Carter," in March. Although many have branded it a country album, the pop star has indicated that she believes the LP would encourage listeners to look beyond of genre boundaries.
“The criticisms I faced when I first entered this genre forced me to propel past the limitations that were put on me. act ii is a result of challenging myself, and taking my time to bend and blend genres together to create this body of work. This ain’t a country album. This is a Beyoncé album,” Jay-Z’s ladylove penned.
As more singers experiment with the genre — Lana, 38, said in February that her future album, "Lasso," will be country — Miranda that she believes it's a good moment to be a woman in country music.
“There’s been times where the women weren’t as uplifted as I would have liked and a time where they were, and I feel like we’re back in one of those times where it’s a little bit more fair of a playing field, and I’m very excited about that. I think Lainey Wilson has a big part to do with that too. And I’m her biggest fan cheering her on and saying, ‘Run, girl, take the torch and run fast,’” Miranda told Us Weekly.
The “Bluebird” songstress noted that the support system is “the beauty of Nashville” to her.
“We are the most friendly group of people and we actually support each other. Even if you don’t love every song somebody puts out, we still love each other, especially as the girls in this world, so I’m thankful to be in it,” Miranda shared.
