Despite widespread controversy, Jason Aldean is about to carry out on the CMT Music Awards.
The nation singer sparked criticism final summer time along with his “Attempt That in a Small City,” as many interpreted the tune and video as a condemnation of the Black Lives Matter motion. CMT initially performed the video for the tune within the weekend after its July launch, however pulled it from rotation following on-line controversy.
Now, Aldean will carry out his tune “Let Your Boys Be Nation” at Sunday evening’s ceremony, marking his ninth efficiency on the occasion. That very same tune can also be nominated for the Video of the Yr award. Different performers embody Jelly Roll, Keith City, Kelsea Ballerini, and Lainey Wilson.
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The video for “Attempt That in a Small City” featured footage of a Molotov cocktail, a burning American flag, and violent battle between police and civilians. The lyrics to the tune additionally characteristic doubtlessly violent connotations: “Bought a gun that my granddad gave me / They are saying someday they’re gonna spherical up / Nicely, that s— may fly within the metropolis, good luck / Attempt that in a small city.”
Aldean denied that the tune and video had any racial components. “I’ve been accused of releasing a pro-lynching tune (a tune that has been out since Might) and was topic to the comparability that I (direct quote) was not too happy with the nationwide BLM protests,” he wrote on social media on the time. “These references usually are not solely meritless, however harmful. There’s not a single lyric within the tune that references race.”
Later, Aldean criticized “cancel tradition” at a live performance, characterizing it as “one thing that, if individuals do not like what you say, they struggle to ensure they’ll cancel you, which suggests attempt to destroy your life, destroy every thing.”
The 2024 CMT Music Awards, hosted by Kelsea Ballerini, will air on Sunday, April 7, at 8 p.m. on CBS and Paramount+.
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