When Morgan Wallen was announced as one of the five headliners for this year’s British Summer Time (BST) shows in Hyde Park, alongside big names like Stevie Nicks, Robbie Williams, and Shania Twain, many Brits were left wondering: who?
Morgan Wallen, America’s top and most controversial country star, is known for his mustache, mullet, and backward cap. His hit “7 Summers” cemented his success with its nostalgic, soft-rock sound, ideal for blasting from a pickup truck.
Morgan Wallen Biography
| Name | Morgan Wallen |
| Age | 31 years |
| Net Worth | $190 million |
| Country | American |
Wallen first appeared on The Voice in 2014 at age 20, working as a landscaper in Knoxville. Though he was eliminated during the playoffs, his unique bro-country style earned him six Grammy nominations. It made him as popular as country stars Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, Florida Georgia Line, and Jason Aldean.
In 2023, Morgan Wallen’s hit “Last Night” topped the Billboard 100 for 16 weeks. His collection “Each Thing In Turn” appeared at No. 1, with all 36 tracks entering the Hot 100. Five tracks even reached the top 10 simultaneously.
Morgan Wallen’s influence is undeniable. Despite facing significant controversy, his 2021 album “Dangerous: The Double Album” was a huge success. Known for his hits and scandals, Wallen’s rise has included two arrests, one in 2020 for public intoxication at a Nashville bar owned by Kid Rock, who didn’t press charges after Wallen apologized.
In October, Wallen’s lockdown partying and rule-breaking led to his SNL debut being canceled. He apologized, and two months later, he returned to SNL for a skit about the incident, seemingly moving past the controversy.
The biggest scandal happened in February 2021 when Wallen was caught on video drunkenly shouting the n-word at friends. This incident occurred right after the global Black Lives Matter protests and the release of his album, Dangerous.
Soon after, Wallen’s music was pulled from country radio and award shows, his label put him on indefinite hiatus, and he was disqualified from the Grammys. In a brief apology video, he blamed his actions on a 72-hour binge, leading him to pause his career and retreat from the spotlight.
Despite the backlash, Wallen’s video had little impact. It may have boosted sales, making “Dangerous” 2021’s top-selling album ahead of major artists like Adele and Drake.
After Wallen’s apology, he promised to “do better” and claimed $500,000 in Black charity donations, though this is disputed. His collab with Lil Durk on “Broadway Girls” drew attention, with Durk defending Wallen as “not a racist.”
Less than a year after the incident, Wallen was invited to the Grand Ole Opry, sparking criticism. Jason Isbell noted it “broke the hearts” of aspiring Black country artists, raising doubts about the progress of country music despite recent breakthroughs by Black artists like Lil Nas X and Beyoncé.
To add insult to injury, Wallen’s critics felt he didn’t take his actions seriously. When asked in a TV interview if country music had a race problem, he shrugged and said, “It would seem that way, yeah. I haven’t sat and thought about it,” without further elaboration.
Wallen seems unfazed by his scandals’ impact on his musical career. At a concert in Kentucky last December, the speakers played Eminem’s 2002 hit “Without Me,” featuring the lyrics, “We need a little controversy/ ’Cause it feels so empty without me,” before Wallen took the stage.
Although Wallen rarely discusses politics, his concerts often carry a political edge. His Kentucky show during the pandemic had few masks, reflecting a form of protest against COVID-19 restrictions. He also doesn’t object when his audience chants anti-Joe Biden slogans.
Wallen is seen by some as a cancel culture survivor, while others find his apologies lacking. Despite this, his BST debut is almost sold out, and he’s had a six-week run at No. 2 with Post Malone’s “I Had Some Help.” He’ll arrive at Hyde Park as a polarizing figure, which suits him just fine.
Conclusion
Morgan Wallen, a leading and sometimes controversial figure in American country music, is set to headline the BST festival. Known for his chart-topping hits and occasional public controversies, Wallen has become a prominent name in the industry. His performances draw large crowds, and his music resonates with many fans. Despite facing criticism at times, his popularity continues to soar.
FAQ
Who is Morgan Wallen?
Morgan Wallen is a prominent American country music singer and songwriter known for his hit songs and distinct voice. He has gained significant popularity and has also been involved in some controversies.
What does BST stand for?
BST stands for British Summer Time, a major music festival held annually in Hyde Park, London.
When is Morgan Wallen headlining BST?
Morgan Wallen is scheduled to headline the BST festival on [specific date if known]. Please check the official BST website for the exact date and schedule.
Why is Morgan Wallen considered controversial?
Morgan Wallen has faced several controversies, including incidents related to inappropriate behavior and the use of a racial slur. These events have sparked significant public and media attention.
What are some of Morgan Wallen’s biggest hits?
Some of Morgan Wallen’s biggest hits include “Whiskey Glasses,” “7 Summers,” “Wasted on You,” and “Sand in My Boots.”
