John Rich slams top country artists for silence on their support for Trump: 'Come forward and be counted'

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: If there’s one thing John Rich is known for — besides being one-half of the legendary Big & Rich — it’s his unapologetic willingness to broach a taboo subject.

The country star has never been shy about his politics, whether it’s singing the praises of Donald Trump or taking jabs at Joe Biden. And Rich especially has no filter when it comes to calling out the so-called "wokeness" in country music.

John Rich isn't one to hold back

John Rich’s been vocal about how the industry stifles artists from speaking their truth. “They completely just control artists and the artists only has two choices: Do they wanna go have a career, it’s been their dream, do they play the game, go forward and just don’t step on these landmines?" Rich said in an interview with Prager U.

"Or, do they go out and hit the trip wires and light the place up? And lose their record deal, and not get invited to the awards show, and radio won’t play them, but… basically erase their career. That’s what they’re faced with. Is there freedom in art in Nashville, total freedom? Absolutely not," he added.

Rich isn’t shy about pointing fingers at record labels and publicists for creating an environment where artists feel they can’t speak out politically. While a few bold names on both sides of the aisle have been upfront about their beliefs, Rich believes there’s a silent majority in Nashville—artists who quietly support Trump but are too afraid to admit it, according to Whiskey Riff.

Backlash against Carrie Underwood

When the news broke that Carrie Underwood would be performing 'America the Beautiful' at Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration, many fans on social media predictably lost their minds.

“Oh no! Why Carrie, why!?” one fan lamented on X.

“Bye Carrie, hope it was worth scuppering your career!” another jabbed.

“Yes, Carrie Underwood does have the choice to play at Hitler’s inauguration and we have the choice to cancel her,” someone else added.

“I always thought she was one of the weaker voices in country. Appropriate," read a comment.

“I don’t generally care about celeb’s politics, but anyone still on the side of First Felon is a whole other issue," another fumed.

While the backlash was fierce, Carrie wasn’t about to let it deter her. She defended her decision saying, “I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event. I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.”

John Rich praises Carrie Underwood and shades others who are silent

John Rich, naturally, had nothing but praise for Carrie Underwood’s boldness. Not one to mince words, he applauded her for standing firm in her beliefs while simultaneously calling out others in the industry who he feels are too cowardly to do the same.

“There are several top-tier country artists who support Trump, and I wish they’d finally have the balls to come forward and be counted,” Rich said, adding, “Ain’t nothing outlaw about keeping your mouth shut to appease the record label. Carrie Underwood is making you look like a bunch of sissy boys.”

While Rich didn’t name names, the way he delivered that mic drop leaves little doubt that some of Nashville’s biggest stars are in his crosshairs.

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.