Controversy Erupts Over Tate McRae's Duet With Morgan Wallen: "What's It Like"

Mei Lin

5 min read

Post on May 29, 2025

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Wallen's Past Controversies and Their Impact on the Duet's Reception

Morgan Wallen's career has been punctuated by significant controversies, most notably the highly publicized incident where he was caught on video using a racial slur. This event led to immediate and widespread condemnation, resulting in radio bans, record label suspension, and a significant impact on his public image.

• The N-word Incident and Subsequent Fallout: The incident, captured on video and widely circulated online, sparked outrage across the music industry and beyond. This resulted in:

  • Removal from numerous radio playlists and streaming service editorial playlists.
  • A widespread boycott among many fans and music critics.
  • Public apologies from Wallen, though the damage to his reputation proved substantial. His attempts at reconciliation faced significant skepticism.

• The Public's Perception of Wallen and its Influence on the Duet: The lingering negative perception surrounding Wallen significantly colors the reception of the "What's It Like" duet. Many listeners view the collaboration as a betrayal of Tate McRae's established fanbase and a potential stain on her carefully curated public image. Social media is awash with comments reflecting this sentiment:

  • “I’m so disappointed in Tate for working with him.”
  • “This collaboration feels tone-deaf and completely ignores Wallen’s past actions.”
  • "I can't support an artist who associates with someone like that."

This negative public opinion has undoubtedly impacted Tate McRae by association, forcing her to defend her choice and potentially alienating a portion of her loyal following.

Tate McRae's Involvement and Potential Career Implications

Tate McRae, known for her polished pop sound and dedicated young fanbase, has carefully cultivated a positive and relatable public image. Her collaboration with Wallen represents a significant risk.

• McRae's Public Image and Fan Base: McRae's fanbase is largely comprised of young, socially conscious individuals. This demographic is acutely sensitive to issues of social justice and racial equality, making Wallen's involvement particularly problematic. McRae's prior work showcases a consistent image of positivity and inclusivity.
  • High engagement rates on social media highlight her strong connection with fans.
  • Her previous releases consistently rank highly on music charts.
• The Potential Risks and Rewards for McRae's Career: While the collaboration could potentially expose McRae to a broader audience within the country music sphere, the potential drawbacks are significant. The risks far outweigh the rewards:
  • Alienating a significant portion of her existing fanbase.
  • Damage to her reputation and credibility as a socially conscious artist.
  • Long-term negative effects on future collaborations and brand partnerships.

The long-term impact on her career remains uncertain, but the immediate backlash is undeniable.

Analysis of the Song "What's It Like" Itself

The lyrical content and musical style of "What's It Like" also contribute to the ongoing debate.

• Lyrical Content and Interpretation: While the lyrics themselves aren't overtly controversial, their context – the duet between McRae and Wallen – is intrinsically linked to the controversy. The song's theme of relationship complexities feels somewhat overshadowed by the ethical questions surrounding the collaboration itself.
• Musical Style and Genre Blending: The fusion of pop and country elements in "What's It Like" might be seen as a deliberate attempt to broaden the song’s appeal. However, this genre-bending approach hasn't mitigated the negative impact of the controversial pairing. The production is fairly standard for both genres, doing little to resolve the ethical concerns. The song’s artistic merit is largely lost in the maelstrom of the controversy.

Social Media Reactions and the Online Discourse

Social media has become the primary battleground for opinions on the duet.

• The Diverse Opinions and Debates: Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok are saturated with a wide spectrum of opinions. While some fans express excitement about the musical collaboration, many more criticize McRae's decision to work with Wallen. The arguments fall into several categories:
  • Moral arguments focused on Wallen’s past behavior and the message it sends.
  • Artistic arguments focusing on the song's quality and its potential to transcend the controversy.
  • Arguments centered on the potential impact on the artists' careers.
• Impact of the Social Media Discussion on the Song's Success: The intense online discussion, while generating significant buzz, has not necessarily translated into widespread success for "What's It Like." The controversy, rather than driving streams, has arguably overshadowed the music itself. Whether this is a failure of "controversy marketing" or simply a reflection of significant public disapproval remains to be seen.

Conclusion

The Tate McRae and Morgan Wallen duet, "What's It Like," serves as a compelling case study in the complex interplay between artistic collaboration, public perception, and ethical considerations. Wallen's past controversies cast a long shadow over the project, sparking widespread criticism and debate. McRae’s involvement carries significant risks, potentially damaging her carefully cultivated image and alienating a loyal fanbase. The song itself, while musically competent, is largely overshadowed by the controversy. The social media reaction underscores the profound impact of public opinion in shaping the success or failure of a musical collaboration.

What are your thoughts on the Tate McRae and Morgan Wallen duet controversy? Share your opinions on the "What's It Like" collaboration in the comments below!