This article is part of Upstream, The Daily Wire’s new home for culture and lifestyle. Real human insight and human stories — from our featured writers to you.

***

This week took a sharp turn for President Donald Trump and his administration: not because of a national security matter or the southern border, but because a bunch of performers decided to bail on a celebration of America’s 250th birthday.

After initially agreeing to perform for the president’s Great American State Fair concert on the National Mall, Martina McBride, Bret Michaels, Young MC, Morris Day & the Time, and The Commodores decided to drop out claiming they were unaware of the event’s “political affiliation.”

If you’re wondering who most of these people are, you’re not alone. Unless you spend your weekends shuffling through old 8-track collections at flea markets or garage sales, you’ve probably never heard of them. Which begs the question: Wouldn’t it be an honor for most of these “artists” to dust off their finest Zubaz pants and primp the perm one more time to perform in front of thousands of patriotic Americans? The answer is, of course, yes.

It’s certainly worth wondering how we got here. But I have a bigger question, one that I think is the most important thing we can take from this saga: Where are today’s country music superstars?

You can’t go a single election cycle without seeing the biggest musicians in the world put their unwavering support behind a Democratic candidate. Jay-Z and Beyonce famously campaigned with Barack Obama, Bruce Springsteen cut ads for Joe Biden in 2020, and Bon Iver showed up to holler in a field for a Harris-Walz event in 2024.

They never seem to feel ashamed to “speak out” and “resist” on behalf of their fans. So, why do country stars?

Every week we see videos of Morgan Wallen selling out football stadiums, Ella Langley hitting the top of the charts with songs about God, Riley Green putting out conservative-coded songs like “Different ‘Round Here,” and new artists like Dexter and the Moonrocks going viral through conservative Instagram reels. Country music is as hot as it has ever been — not because of pink-haired commie liberals, but because of hard-working, patriotic conservatives.

Go to a country concert these days. The parking lots are chock-full of lifted trucks with Trump-Vance stickers. Inside the venues you’ll often find more MAGA hats than band merch. American flags everywhere, Bible verses tattooed on forearms, and not a Bud Light in sight.

Everything conservatives are mocked for in Hollywood is celebrated at country shows. Americans realize this, and they behave accordingly: When certain country stars were swept up in the Left’s cancel culture crusades, conservatives were there selling out arenas and buying their merchandise. These fans have been there at every turn, as steadfast in their support of their musical icons as they are in support of their country.

It’s time country stars repaid the favor.

So what do you say, Morgan? Give the people what they want and dial up one of your famous walkouts with the greatest president of our lifetime — on the National Mall, celebrating the country that gave you everything. I promise your fans will love it because, unlike the Left, they actually love their country.

***

Brad Bishop is The Daily Wire’s senior vice president of public relations.

Menu

Hey Country Stars, Do The Right Thing: Perform On The National Mall