In a surprising development that has left fans astounded, K. Michelle swiftly set straight a dismissive inquiry regarding her roots in country music during a contentious interview at the CMA Fest 2025.
The interviewer had insinuated that her involvement in the genre was groundbreaking. The tension arose during an interview with American Songwriter when the host asked Michelle to introduce herself, implying, “You didn’t grow up here in country music.” The remark did not resonate well with Michelle, who promptly set the record straight. “You do this all the time,” she retorted, “I did grow up in country music. I’m from Memphis, Tennessee. I got a scholarship for yodeling — that’s how I paid for college.”
Michelle, who has persistently vocalized the obstacles she has encountered in the country music industry, did not mince her words. “I was revealed to I couldn’t sing country music because I was black,” she conveyed further. “But it was something I had always been doing, and I will continue to do. I didn’t fly here — I grew here.”
Attempting to defuse the situation, the interviewer noted, “We just haven’t heard you on contemporary country radio,” to which Michelle responded assertively. “Well, you don’t hear a lot of women on contemporary radio period right now, okay,” she retorted. “And you really don’t hear a black one. Meanwhile, in a related development, but you will.” The contentious exchange quickly gained traction online, with social media users supporting Michelle and criticizing the interviewer for their lack of preparation.
One user reposted a clip with the caption, “CLEARED HER!” Another user pointed out, “& the person interviewing K would know that IF SHE DID ACTUAL RESEARCH ON K MICHELLE. How are you a journalist and you don’t know anything about the artist you’re interviewing?! Even I knew about Kimbers yodeling vocal history.” Some made comparisons to Beyoncé, who has also faced scrutiny while venturing into country music. One user observed, “lol K Michelle revealed all the stuff Beyonce can’t say.”
Another remark criticized the interviewer’s research, “She didn’t do her research AT ALL. K. Michelle has been trying to get recognized in country music since the beginning of time. Since Beyoncé made her game-changing album, they finally started giving black country singers [a little] credit.”
