When you get a bunch of smart, creative, headstrong artists together in one genre, you are bound to have some controversies. Some of them blow over fast. Others linger because of the vitriol spewed while they lasted. We want to revisit a few of the most headline-making, jaw-dropping, eyebrow-raising situations that country music ever spawned. Fasten your seat belts!
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Faith Hill Versus Carrie Underwood
In 2006, Carrie Underwood's country music career was just revving up. She was one year out from winning American Idol and was still captivating the nation with her charm and powerful voice. Faith Hill was already established as country music royalty. When they competed head-to-head for the prestigious honor of being the CMA's Female Vocalist of the Year, it was anyone's guess who would triumph.
When Miley Cyrus read the winner's name - Underwood - Hill seemed stunned. and her reaction was caught on camera, per Grunge. According to the outlet, "Her facial expression turned to one of surprised anger and while not heard, her lips clearly blurted out, "What?!"
The awkward moment required some heavy-duty damage management. Hill said, "The idea that I would act disrespectful towards a fellow musician is unimaginable to me," per the outlet via The Washington Post.
Jerry Lee Lewis' Child Bride - Literally
Lewis married his cousin, who was only 13 years old. She was also his first cousin. It understandably caused a furor. According to American Songwriter, the singer seemed to be trying to keep the nuptials under wraps. The effort was in vain, however, In 1958, Lewis was on tour in Great Britain. A reporter got wind of his young wife's age and ran with the story. "The publicity landed Lewis in hot water and his tour was abruptly canceled."
Dolly Parton Versus Porter Wagoner
Parton is renowned for her lustrous voice, her business savvy, and her songwriting prowess. She was a regular in the 1960s on The Porter Wagoner Show early in her career. However, Parton shrewdly knew when it was time to branch out on her own. That decision did not sit too well with Wagoner, though. Per Grunge, the gig apparently sapped her energy. Per the outlet via Parton's book, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics, "Those seven years of being with Porter, it was damn near like being married to him. You're working together and putting in your creative self, putting in every emotion that you have."
When Parton made her exit from the popular TV show in the early 1970s, she wrote Wagoner a song, "I Will Always Love You." It was her sweet way of saying thank you for everything he did for her career. But he would not be pacified when she departed. Parton shared, ""After I left and started doing well, Porter sued me for $1 million, and that was money that I didn't have. I had to pay that over a long period of time. But you have to forgive and forget."
Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert Split
These two singers are beloved by country music fans, and their marriage in 2011 made them even more adored. Then, for reasons not really clear, they suddenly went their separate ways. News of their split hit like a bombshell. Per Taste of Country, "The rumors flew, and cheating theories were tossed around on both sides. But the truth has still never really come out." Shelton and Lambert have other spouses now. He wed singer Gwen Stefani. She is married to Brandon McLoughlin.
