In response to public outcry over Elle King’s embarrassing, seemingly inebriated performance during a Dolly Parton tribute on Friday night, the Grand Ole Opry has extended its apology to the fans. Identifying herself as “fucking hammered,” the singer cursed throughout the customarily family-friendly performance, clumsily joked with the hecklers, and couldn’t recall which Parton song she was meant to sing as part of the birthday celebration.
“We sincerely apologize and regret the language used during the second Opry performance last night,” the Opry’s X (formerly Twitter) account stated on Saturday.
Even though the statement sparked a lot of anger among country music lovers, it was in response to someone who wrote on X, saying that Elle King’s awful, inebriated, and vulgar performance had ruined the evening for them. It would have made Dolly Parton very angry. It was unfortunate that, being our first visit to the Opry, we had to all witness that. Spending $300 on tickets for a performance when one of the performers destroyed the entire night was really disappointing.
King seemed to be changing the words to “I don’t give a shit” and “I don’t know the lyrics to these things in this fucking town…” in video clips, while also appearing to be forgetting the lines to Parton’s song “Marry Me.”
It’s Dolly’s birthday, so don’t tell her. When she spoke directly to the agitated mob, nothing improved.
In response to irate yells from the crowd, King declared, “You ain’t getting your money back.” “I have one more thing to tell you,” she said. “Hey, I’m Elle King, and I’m really hot right now.” When one of her bandmates recommended that she perform an original song rather than a Parton cover, King is said to have said, “Let me see if I can play one of mine. I can barely play another person’s song.”
Country music enthusiasts swiftly became enraged at King’s appearance. While some expressed concern for King’s health given that she has been candid in interviews about her history of performing while intoxicated, others saw it as evidence that King is foolishly pursuing an outlaw image as she transitions from her previous pop-rock achievements into country music.
We know Elle King was drunk since she admitted as much on stage before overusing profanity, slurring her words, and botching her performance. Saving Country Music, a well-known website covering country music, stated that King owes Parton and the Opry an apology. Compared to Jerry Lee Lewis dropping an emmer-effer bomb to deliberately irritate the pearl clutching or Johnny Cash knocking out the footlights, this feels less savage. Elle King just seems depressing and possibly like a call for assistance.
“Elle King officially migrated to country music with her last album, 2023’s ‘Come Get Your Wife,'” said the site’s editor, who goes by the byline Trigger. However, belittling Dolly and belittling Opry is definitely not the best course of action if she wishes to remain in the nation.
Representatives for King or the Opry did not immediately respond to requests for comments.
Prior to the reactions to Friday night’s Opry performance (which was broadcast over radio but not included in the show’s TV edition), King had been enjoying a string of high-profile TV appearances within the country arena. He had become a favorite of broadcast bookers. Her popular five-hour Fox program “New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash” had her co-hosting the event at the beginning of the year. Her first gig was as co-host of ABC’s three-hour prime-time spectacular, “CMA Fest,” back in July.
The song “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home),” a duet with Miranda Lambert that peaked at No. 1 on the country radio chart, gave the vocalist a lot of exposure in the country music scene. “Worth a Shot,” Dierks Bentley’s follow-up duet, peaked at No. 38 but was not as successful. Despite some expected “carpetbagger” remarks, King has still been welcomed into the format with open arms, especially as she has shown a desire to really embrace the country.
King admitted that he enjoyed drinking and singing in an interview with the San Diego Union-Tribune in 2022, but he also remarked, “I don’t want to get as drunk as I used to.” I usually take a few drinks before going on stage because I get scared. My anxiety about reaching the right notes when I sing decreases when I drink. It will hurt less if I don’t make them. I put being a mother far, way, way above having a good time, so this (upcoming) tour will be extremely different for me,” she continued. And there were enough enjoyable moments for me. Maybe we can talk in a year and see where I am; I want to take my family on this tour.
King’s performance has elicited both angry and sympathetic responses. On the Saving Country Music page, someone said, “I’m sure Dolly’s first thought would be to try to help this woman.” “Yeah, she should apologize to everyone, but no one reaches that stage in life until something gravely wrong has occurred in their life. This wasn’t an attempt to appear good at the expense of another person; rather, it was a serious error made by someone who was in serious danger.
“I have no problem with folks boozing it up, no problem with weed, etc., but the first 10 minutes of the show were her strutting around, making a big show of having each band member toke off her joint,” another user said, describing a recent appearance at the Rebels and Renegades Festival in California. You are having fun; I get that. It was just a tad excessive, I suppose. Thus, it really doesn’t surprise me that she will take on that job at the Opry. Although a lot of talent has been housed in that building or institution, its past isn’t entirely spotless. To be honest, I would much rather have a buddy who respects another friend enough to call him straight.
Parton’s 79th birthday was marked with Opry tribute events, but she did not attend. Terri Clark, Ashley Monroe, Tigirlily Gold, Dailey & Vincent, and Dailey & Vincent were among the others who took part but generated less controversy than King. Lauren Alaina, who was also scheduled, had to postpone her performance due to the wintry weather in Nashville. She informed her followers on social media, saying, “I live on country roads and am unable to get off my street.” I look forward to seeing you all at the opera soon.”
King has a full spring and summer tour schedule, which includes a performance on April 26 at California’s Stagecoach Festival.
Published by : Reshraman