K. Michelle Challenges Interviewer Dismissing Country Music Roots

At the 2025 CMA Fest, K. Michelle firmly rebutted an interviewer who questioned her country music roots by stating she grew up in the genre in Memphis, Tennessee, and even earned a college scholarship for yodeling. She highlighted the barriers she has faced in country music, including being told she couldn't sing the genre because she is Black, and emphasized that country music has always been a part of her life and career. K. Michelle referenced her 2023 tribute to Naomi Judd and noted her signing with BMG Nashville in 2024, affirming her deep ties to the country scene. When the interviewer pointed out her absence from contemporary country radio, she responded by noting the general lack of women, especially Black women, on country radio and expressed confidence that this would change. Throughout the exchange, K. Michelle stressed her authenticity and long-standing connection to country music, pushing back against misconceptions and celebrating her presence in the genre. The interaction quickly went viral, sparking support from fans and criticism of the interviewer's assumptions.