Here’s What Luke Bryan Said When Reporters Asked Him About Racism In Country Music
The superstar also addressed diversity on ‘American Idol.’
Luke Bryan; Photo by Acacia Evans, CMA
There has been an ongoing conversation about racism in country music throughout the past few years and this week, Luke Bryan shared his thoughts on the topic.
The country superstar and American Idol judge recently appeared on a Television Critics Association panel alongside fellow Idol cohort Lionel Richie, where they were asked about racism within the country music genre as well as a lack of diversity on Idol.
According to Insider, the “Up” singer acknowledged that while racism exists in the genre, however, the issue goes beyond country music.
“First of all, there’s racism throughout the whole country,” Bryan said. “To just sit here and single out country music as some kind of racist format is not altogether natural and true.”
Bryan continued, “I’ve been privy to various board meetings where we recognize our problems as an industry, and things take time. I think this country learns every day about the severity of racism. And like I said, I think sometimes you have to open your eyes and understand other people’s side of the story.”
Reporters then shifted the topic of conversation to Morgan Wallen, who was filmed using a racial slur in early 2021.
“You bring up the Morgan situation — that’s a situation that I think country music and the industry is doing everything they can to recognize, and these things take time,” he said, according to Insider. “They take time in the National Football League. They take time as a country.”
The panel came just days after Wallen appeared at the Grand Ole Opry for the first time since the controversy. His appearance sparked outrage on Twitter and prompted artists such as Jason Isbell to speak out about it.
Around the same time, RaeLynn was asked about racism in country music during an interview with POPlitics and insisted the genre is “not racist.”
“First of all, country music, they’re not racist. Personally, I’ve never seen that,” she said, adding, “I’ve just never experienced that.”
The “Baytown” singer came under fire on social media with many Twitter users calling her out for downplaying the experiences that Black people and people of color face within country music.
As for the solution to problem, Bryan said, “I think we are going to grow, and you are going to see tremendous changes.”
When it comes to American Idol, Bryan and Richie agreed that they don’t allow a contestant’s race or sexuality impact any decisions that are made on the show.
“We represent America and the music business and we come from very different walks of life,” Richie said. “But at the same time, we can come together and celebrate one thing: Each other.”
“We look at them with an open heart and an open mind,” Bryan added. “And do you know what? For the most part, I’m proud [that] we feel like our viewers at home are doing the exact same thing. Are we ever going to bat a thousand? Never. But we damn sure work hard to give everybody love.”
Bryan wrapped up the conversation assuring that he, Richie and fellow Idol judge Katy Perry “don’t care” what the contestants look like when they audition for the show. That’s because for them, it’s all about the music.
Lauren Jo Black is a longtime country music journalist, editor, host, and media personality whose work has helped shape the conversation around country music for nearly two decades. As the current Editor-in-Chief of Country Now, she has become one of the genre’s most respected voices, interviewing hundreds of country music’s biggest stars, including Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Randy Travis, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, and countless others. Over the course of her career, Black’s written work and interviews have reached billions of country music fans worldwide. A 2009 graduate of the University of Central Florida, Black began her career by founding Country Music Is Love, one of country music’s earliest independent digital publications, which she later sold to a major record label in 2015 before it was rebranded as Sounds Like Nashville. She then served as the publication’s Editor-in-Chief for more than two years. Her work has also appeared in Forbes, and she previously served as the Country Music Expert for Answers.com. Widely recognized for her expertise, Black has appeared as a featured guest on The Bobby Bones Show, BobbyCast, and Scripps News Morning Rush, providing insight on country music’s biggest moments. She has also hosted Country Now Live, a concert series featuring performances from artists including Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Riley Green, Jordan Davis, Dustin Lynch, Gabby Barrett, Brett Young, Jon Pardi, Kip Moore, Chris Young, and more. The series has welcomed thousands of fans in person while reaching millions more online. In addition, she hosted Connect With Country Now, a weekly interview series featuring conversations with rising country stars. Throughout her career, Black has earned a reputation for discovering and championing artists long before they become household names. She has covered Luke Bryan since the early days of his career, beginning when he was writing songs for other artists, including Billy Currington’s No. 1 hit “Good Directions,” before stepping into the spotlight with his debut single, “All My Friends Say” and eventually becoming one of biggest names in music. She also gave Megan Moroney her first opportunity to walk a major red carpet as Country Now’s official guest correspondent at the 2022 CMA Awards. An interview she conducted in 2018 for Forbes.com with Luke Combs that inspired his multi-week No. 1 hit, “Doin’ This.” She has also hosted stages at CMA Fest, moderated an industry panel at Country Radio Seminar, and helped lead important conversations about the evolving landscape of country music media. Beyond journalism, Black has also used her platform to support charitable causes and highlight organizations making an impact. Through Country Now Live, she has helped raise awareness and support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, while also advocating for animal rescue through Country Now’s Pupdate series, spotlighting organizations including MuttNation Foundation, Wags & Walks, and Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue. Black has been recognized as one of Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. She is a longtime member of both the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM). After nearly 20 years covering country music, Lauren Jo Black has spent her career telling the stories behind the artists, songs, and moments that have shaped the genre. Her first-ever book, Country Music Forever: An A-to-Z Celebration of Icons, Songs and Stories, brings that same passion and firsthand knowledge to the page, celebrating not only the legendary artists and timeless songs that have become the soundtrack to generations of fans, but also the places, traditions, and cultural moments that have made country music one of the most beloved genres around the world.
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