Kacey Musgraves Is ‘Proud’ to Embrace Diversity, ‘Super-Grateful’ for Luke Bryan Hit
While opening for Harry Styles on his 2018 Live on Tour, Kacey Musgraves appreciated the diverse crowds that showed up to see the two acts, and she hopes to see that carry over into the country music landscape.
"Harry’s a beacon to all kinds, it seems," she tells Hits Daily Double. "Tons and tons of LGBTQ people, older people, kids. It’s a very accepting environment, which makes me happy."
Lack of diversity has been a longtime issue in country music, but the "High Horse" singer sees small signs that the genre is progressing, like with Luke Bryan's No. 1 hit "Most People Are Good." That song has received attention and praise for the line, "I believe you love who you love / Ain't nothing you should ever be ashamed of."
Country Stars React to Cody Alan Coming Out
"I’m super-grateful Luke Bryan can have a hit with 'Most People Are Good.' It’s a small step," Musgraves says, adding there's "still a long way to go" when it comes to seeing representation of all kinds of people in country music.
"There are kids all over the country who love country music with no one to look up to, which is sad. They love the music so much, but where’s the artist who looks and lives like they do?" she continues. "And it’s hard for me to say, 'I’m a country artist,' when what I do is so far from the radio, or what people think of as mainstream country. It gives people who know my music the wrong idea, and people who like what’s on the radio may not be prepared for what I do too."
Musgraves is a walking example of embracing diversity, voicing her strong support for the LGBTQ community and speaking fearlessly about sexism women face in the industry. She made a bold choice when she chose "Follow Your Arrow" as her third single in 2013, as the song contained the line, "Make lots of noise / Kiss lots of boys / Or kiss lots of girls if that's something you're into." The song won her a CMA Award for Song of the Year in 2014, and she's honored to be a part of any venture that centers around acceptance.
"It makes me proud to go into the Harry Styles tour, or a pop plane, and know they see someone who believes people are equal and you should do what makes you happy," she says. "[It’s reassuring] that some people in country music believe that."
The country star has announced a North American leg of her Oh, What a World Tour that takes her across the U.S. and Canada in early 2019. She'll launch the 2018 trek in October with a string of European tour dates.
Country Stars' Reactions to the Supreme Court's Gay Marriage Ruling
Watch Lindsay Ell's Incredible One-Woman Performance for RISERS!