Country Music Television (CMT), which ViacomCBS own, is an American television channel that focuses on airing country music videos, TV shows, and news. As a music video-based channel, CMT is dedicated to showcasing the finest of country music to its viewers.
With its exclusive content and focus on the genre, CMT has become an indispensable part of the country music scene and a favorite among country music enthusiasts.
CMT recently stopped airing singer Aldean Jason’s newly released song, “Try That in a Small Town,” for the reason which is creating confusion. Read to know what happened exactly!
Why Did CMT Cancel Try That in a Small Town?
JUST ANNOUNCED! In keeping with his long-standing dedication to his fans, @Jason_Aldean is returning to Hartford’s Xfinity Theatre on Sunday, July 30th.
All tickets from the July 15 show will be honored for the rescheduled July 30 date.
— Xfinity Theatre (@XFINITYTheatre) July 17, 2023
Aldean has been facing backlash due to perceived themes of gun violence and lynching shown in the video song, prompting CMT to stop airing his song.
Many people online have been expressing their disapproval of a certain network that seems to have caused negative feelings among Jason Aldean’s fans who live in rural areas or small towns. They feel that the lyrics of his song are to blame and that some of the scenes in the music video were filmed at the Maury County Courthouse in Columbia, Tennessee, which was the breeding ground of the violence that took the life of an 18-year-old man of Black descent, Henry Chaote.
Of course Y’allQaeda loves this song and is acting like trash in their responses to you. What can you expect from people who ride around and around a town of 800 in their pickup trucks covered in Trump signs every weekend. They have absolutely no life. None.
— 💙💙🐶🐱Alexa 🌊🐾❤️🐾❤️🐾 (@Alexarenee1) July 19, 2023
Unfortunately, the song also reminded the viewers of one of the grueling times in the history of the Columbia Race Riot of 1946, which has only added to the criticism that the song has been receiving.
The Entire Controversy Explained
In a series of events, Jason released the song- “Try that in a small town” in May this year, supposed to be a part of his bigger album.
In his official statement, Jason conveyed his heartfelt yearning to bring back the long-lost feeling of unity and reverence among the people. However, his attempt seemed to have backfired on him, with people showcasing their discontent after watching the video.
Jason believes that the song was his attempt to rebuild his lost connection to the small-town values; people have instead found the song instigating violence and lynching and stated that it didn’t resonate with the old American values in any way.
When u grow up in a small town, it’s that unspoken rule of “we all have each other’s backs and we look out for each other.” It feels like somewhere along the way, that sense of community and respect has gotten lost. Deep down we are all ready to get back to that. I hope my new…
— Jason Aldean (@Jason_Aldean) July 14, 2023
Jason, however, remained true to his instincts and, with a clear head, stated that the song doesnt intend to hurt anyone’s sentiments, nor is it instigating or provoking any act of violence or lynching.
The singer took to his Twitter handle and justified that the song doesn’t mention anything about any race categorically and that it doesn’t touch topics like ‘The Black Lives Matter”, as claimed by many.
Some supporters of the artist have also come forward, reminding that the song is not as bad and provoking as it might have been pictured.
Who Is Aldean Jason?
🙋🏻♂️I Stand With Jason Aldean!
Retweet if you do too! 👍💯
🇺🇸🔴⚪️🔵🔴⚪️🔵🔴⚪️🔵🇺🇸
— DK🇺🇸🦅🇺🇸 (@1Nicdar) July 20, 2023
Are you aware that Jason Aldean is a renowned American country music singer, songwriter, and TV personality? He has achieved remarkable success with his 10 studio albums, all of which have been certified platinum or multi-platinum by the RIAA.
Aldean has been awarded numerous accolades for his exceptional work, including 15 Academy of Country Music Awards, 14 Country Music Association Awards, and 2 American Music Awards. He has even been recognized as the most awarded country artist of the 2010s, which is a testament to his undeniable talent and hard work.
Did you listen to the song by Aldean? How did you find its lyrics? Do you feel it was a deliberate attempt by the artists to provoke violence and lynching? Or has it been taken in the wrong way?
Let us know below!