Morgan Wallen, the country music sensation who once faced severe backlash, has achieved a remarkable comeback, surpassing even pop superstar Taylor Swift in his latest accomplishment. Wallen’s journey to the top has been fraught with challenges, but his ability to roll with the punches and talent have shone through.
In early 2021, Wallen’s career seemed in jeopardy after a video surfaced of him using a racial slur outside his Nashville home. The video quickly went viral, leading to widespread condemnation and severe consequences for Wallen. His record label, Big Loud Records, suspended his contract indefinitely, and major radio stations and streaming services, including iHeartRadio, SiriusXM, and CMT, removed his music from their playlists. Wallen publicly apologized, acknowledging his actions and expressing his willingness to face the repercussions. The Country Music Association (CMA) also declared him ineligible for solo performance awards, although his collaborations remained eligible for nominations. Despite the industry’s backlash, Wallen’s music sales and streams saw an initial surge.
Against all odds, Wallen has made a powerful comeback. His collaboration with Post Malone, “I Had Some Help,” has skyrocketed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking Wallen’s 19th week at No. 1 since 2020. This impressive feat surpasses Taylor Swift, who has held the top position for 18 weeks this decade.
The rivalry between Wallen and Swift has been fun to watch. Swift recently released her 11th studio album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” followed by a surprise double album, “The Anthology,” with all 31 tracks charting. Wallen’s 2023 album “One Thing at a Time” also made significant waves, with 30 tracks charting simultaneously, breaking a long-standing record previously held by Swift. Despite their competitive standings, both Wallen and Swift share common ground in their collaborations with Post Malone and their ability to connect deeply with their audiences. Wallen’s “I Had Some Help” and Swift’s “Fortnight” both explore themes of loss and recovery, though with different emotional tones.
Wallen’s track “I Had Some Help” debuted at the top of the Hot 100 in May, boasting staggering first-week streams, sales, and radio plays. It has quickly become a defining hit of the summer. Wallen’s recent concert at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis also set a new record as the most-attended show in the venue’s history. During this concert, Wallen expressed his respect for Swift, asking his fans not to boo her when he mentioned her name, showcasing a gesture of professional camaraderie.
