During her time in country music, Maren Morris used the genre to help shape her own path in the industry. Eventually moving to Nashville, the singer won five Academy of Country Music Awards and even a Grammy Award. Although successful, Morris expressed concern about country music and hinted at stepping away from the genre. While fans debated about whether she was going to leave or not, the artist recently discussed her statement and set the record straight about what her future might look like in Nashville.
Knowing what country music means to her, Morris insisted that there was no way she could entirely step away from the genre given how engrained it is into her being. Although loving country music, the singer explained how some aspects of the industry are completely unacceptable. She added, “I don’t think I’m this badass or anything; I just got so sick of being a ‘yes’ person to get ahead. I’ve been successful, but, I think, at a moral cost. I couldn’t keep doing the same song and dance.”
Videos by American Songwriter
Maren Morris Reassures Fans
Wanting to only focus on music, Morris hoped to stop spending so much time around promotions and the politics that come with being in the spotlight. Praising bands like the Chicks, the singer said they helped her realize the importance of speaking out. She pointed to the civil unrest that spread throughout the country in 2020, even detailing the CMA Awards that year. “I looked around at the crowd and stupidly realized for the first time that there were basically only white people there. I wish that I had woken up sooner.”
While Morris continues to find her way, the artist reassured fans she was going nowhere anytime soon. “I’m not getting out of Dodge. I love living in Nashville, and I don’t consider myself an expat of country music. There’s so many amazing people here making music that matters. I’m a piece of this town, and I want to make it better in the same ways I want the music industry to be better.”
(Featured Image by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
More Latest Music News & Stories
-
Musician Bruce Springsteen performs during the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in the Jackson Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, US, on Thursday, June 18, 2026. Intended as a celebration of the progress embodied by the nation's first Black leader, its Juneteenth unveiling comes at a time when his agenda – and broader diversity initiatives – are wilting from a decade of concerted attack. Photographer: Talia Sprague/Bloomberg via Getty Images -
Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns -
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 11: Mike McCready of Pearl Jam performs onstage with Thunderpussy at The Showbox on December 11, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images) -
HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 02: Luke Bryan answers holds a Super Bowl LI football during the Super Bowl LI Pregame press conference on February 02, 2017, at the George R Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) -
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 15: Abe Olman Publishing Award winner, Caroline Bienstock poses backstage at the Songwriters Hall Of Fame 48th Annual Induction and Awards at New York Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 15, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame) -
Carrie Underwood at the "Alan Jackson: The Last Show" concert special red carpet held at Nissan Stadium on June 27, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jamie Schramm/Variety via Getty Images) -
INDIO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 25: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) (NOT TO BE LICENSED FOR ANY STANDALONE OR SPECIAL INTEREST BOOK PUBLISHING USE CONCERNING THE COACHELLA MUSIC FESTIVAL AND/OR STAGECOACH MUSIC FESTIVAL) Singer Gavin Adcock performs on the Palomino Stage during day 2 of Stagecoach Festival at Empire Polo Club on April 25, 2026 in Indio, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images for Stagecoach) -
Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images