Maren Morris Criticizes Pop Stars ‘Cosplaying’ in Country Music

Maren Morris, who officially distanced herself from country music in 2023 due to its industry issues, has recently criticized pop stars crossing into country music only because it’s trendy, accusing them of "cosplaying" rather than having genuine roots in the genre. Despite her own crossover success from country to pop, Morris emphasizes her authentic country background dating back to childhood and defends her artistic freedom while condemning the rigid gatekeepers of mainstream country music. The surge of pop artists like Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, and Lana Del Rey dabbling in country has sparked debate, with some, such as Post Malone, showing sincere respect, while others are seen as exploiting the genre’s current popularity. Morris’ remarks come amid a broader conversation about the authenticity and commercialization of country music, with many outsiders perceived as treating it like a costume rather than a culture. Meanwhile, other country artists like Kelsea Ballerini are addressing different challenges within the fan community, such as the impact of personal life scrutiny at concerts. Overall, Morris’ stance highlights ongoing tensions about identity, genre boundaries, and artistic integrity within the evolving country music landscape.