Internet hails Cassadee Pope as 'brave' for leaving country music after calling out transphobia and racism

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Country pop singer Cassadee Pope made waves this week when she announced she is leaving the country music genre after nearly a decade to return to her alternative rock roots.

In a recent interview, Pope cited feeling constrained by country music’s expectations and facing backlash within the genre for speaking out on social issues. Her candid comments touch on larger themes of discrimination and barriers still faced by women trying to make their mark in country music.

With hits like 'Wasting All These Tears' under her belt, Pope’s departure points to key questions about the present and future direction of the country genre when it comes to the acceptance and promotion of diverse voices.

Cassadee Pope became frustrated with country music's 'racism and sexism'

In an interview with Rolling Stone published on Thursday, February 15, the 34-year-old 'The Voice' winner said she is "done with country music and the games" and will instead be going back to the alternative rock genre that she started her career in.

Pope claimed she initially became frustrated after being "shamed" for calling out Jason Aldean's wife Brittany for a transphobic Instagram post in 2022. She had also previously spoken out against Morgan Wallen's use of the N-word in 2021.

Beyond those incidents, Pope said "another contributing factor to her decision was 'the genre's complex and deeply rooted history of racism and sexism.'" She said while issues exist in other genres as well, "rock is in my bones more."

Seemingly referring to her experiences in country music, Pope said "You're not completely ostracized and shamed for speaking out" in rock music like she felt she was at times in country.

Cassadee Pope felt compelled to 'get in nice' with male country programmers

Another reason Pope cited for leaving country was her feeling that female artists need to 'get in nice' with mostly male country radio programmers in order for their music to get airplay.

"Some people I genuinely liked, but others I was tipped off that, 'Oh, this person expects a friendship or some sort of communication, so if you don't give it to them, they're probably not going to play you on the radio,'" Pope recalled about what she felt was unnecessary networking.

Despite years of attempting to make connections, Pope said, "No matter how much I did, I never reached the top of the charts."

The lack of ability to freely speak her mind on social issues combined with the difficulty breaking through on radio without strong industry connections seem to have soured Pope on continuing her career in the country genre.

In explaining her move back to alternative rock, Pope said the genre not only is a better fit for her personally but will allow her more freedom to write songs about female empowerment and sexuality without as much potential backlash.

"Leaving a genre where you don’t really hear women singing about that kind of thing, or God forbid they wear something scandalous, it just felt really fresh and exciting" to get back to rock, Pope commented about having less constraints on her artistic expression.

Internet rallies behind Cassadee Pope upon her departure from country music

The internet swiftly rallied behind Pope upon learning of her departure from country music, showering her with support and admiration. One Facebook user lauded, "So stunning, so brave." Another user drew parallels with music icons, stating, "Well Taylor Swift and Avril Lavigne did it. So why not."

A third supporter expressed, "Good for her! I used to like country, but it's too bigoted!" Another commentator predicted, "She isn't the first; she won't be the last. Country music is crap. And then there is the whole regressive hate side of it."

A more straightforward sentiment was shared by a fifth user, stating unequivocally, "Country music sucks." Meanwhile, a sixth user brought attention to Pope's diverse musical background, pondering, "Wasn’t she like a mix of pop-punk at first anyway…?"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.