Tate McRae has been on an extraordinary upward trajectory in the past year. Her third studio album, 'So Close to What' debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, solidifying her status as a rising pop sensation. With multiple chart-topping singles, a sold-out international tour, and critical praise for her songwriting maturity, McRae has proven her staying power in the industry. However, her latest collaboration has prompted a wave of confusion and criticism across social media.

Country singer Morgan Wallen recently confirmed on his Instagram story that Tate McRae is featured on his upcoming album, 'I'm The Problem,' on a track titled 'What I Want.' While the announcement was expected to generate excitement, it has instead sparked widespread backlash. Many fans are questioning why McRae, at the height of her success, would align herself with Wallen, an artist whose controversies have overshadowed his music in recent years. The online response has not been kind, and it is only escalating.

The backlash stems from Morgan Wallen’s widely publicized history of misconduct. In 2024, Wallen was arrested for reckless endangerment after allegedly throwing a chair from a rooftop bar. His use of a racial slur in 2021 triggered major industry fallout, including radio blacklisting and award show bans. Additionally, Wallen violated COVID-19 protocols during a planned Saturday Night Live appearance in 2020, fueling further backlash.

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Given that history, fans are struggling to understand why Tate McRae would choose to align herself with him now.

Many supporters of Tate McRae have voiced disappointment, calling her recent decision tone-deaf and poorly timed. Several online commentators now label McRae as conservative and accuse her of lacking respect for marginalized communities. For fans, this collaboration feels like a significant misstep, especially at a time when Tate McRae had tied with Taylor Swift, setting a historical record at the pinnacle of her career.

The disappointment grew even stronger when it was revealed that this collaboration was chosen over a potential one with Tyla. A partnership between McRae and Tyla could have embodied style, cultural influence, and the kind of synergy that defines iconic collaborations. Instead, the spotlight shifted to controversy, along with Morgan Wallen.

In the wake of the announcement, fans continue to process their disappointment and confusion. While Tate McRae remains one of pop music’s most promising figures, the controversy has cast a shadow over what was otherwise an era of triumph. Whether this moment becomes a brief misjudgment or a lasting mark depends largely on how McRae chooses to move forward. For now, the conversation surrounding the collaboration is far from finished.

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