Singer Elle King’s Controversial Performance at Grand Ole Opry Sparks Outrage and Apology
The Grand Ole Opry, known as the greatest country venue in the world, found itself at the center of controversy when singer Elle King took the stage for a Dolly Parton tribute on Friday. Admitting to the crowd that she was “hammered,” King proceeded to botch the lyrics to one of Parton’s songs, leading to an expletive-laden performance that left audience members shocked and disappointed. The incident occurred on Parton’s 78th birthday, adding insult to injury.
Videos of the performance quickly circulated on social media, capturing King’s flubbed rendition of Parton’s song “Marry Me.” In the midst of her mistakes, King exclaimed, “Don’t tell Dolly. Holy s***, don’t tell Dolly.” The singer continued to curse and engage with a heckler in the crowd before addressing the audience, introducing herself as “Elle King” and admitting that she was “f***ing hammered.”
The Dolly-themed night, held at the Opry’s Rhyman Auditorium, was meant to be a celebration of Parton’s iconic career. Alongside King, the event featured performances by Ashley Monroe and Terri Clark. However, the controversy surrounding King’s behavior overshadowed the intended tribute. Prior to the show, it was announced that singer Lauren Alaina would no longer be able to perform, adding further disappointment for fans.
In response to the backlash, the Grand Ole Opry issued an apology on social media. In a tweet directed at an angry audience member, they expressed deep regret for the language used during King’s performance. However, the apology did little to appease disgruntled fans. Replies flooded in, with one person stating, “Your apology not accepted by me,” and another demanding that King be banned from the Opry for life.
This incident is not the first time Elle King’s behavior has raised eyebrows. In a 2022 interview with the San Diego Tribune, the singer discussed her preference for performing under the influence. King admitted to enjoying drinking before going on stage, claiming that it helps ease her nerves and makes hitting the right notes less daunting. She acknowledged that her performances differ when she is drunk versus sober, but defended her choice to indulge, citing the lack of other professions where alcohol is readily available.
Despite her affinity for alcohol, King emphasized that being a mother takes priority over having a good time. She welcomed a son in 2021 and stated that she puts her role as a mother “way, way, way above” anything else.
Representatives for Elle King have yet to respond to inquiries from CBS News regarding the controversial performance. The fallout from this incident serves as a reminder of the fine line between artistic expression and audience expectations, as well as the responsibility artists have to their fans and the venues that host them.
In conclusion, Elle King’s controversial performance at the Grand Ole Opry has sparked outrage among fans and prompted an apology from the venue. The incident, which occurred during a Dolly Parton tribute on Parton’s birthday, involved King admitting to being intoxicated and subsequently botching the lyrics to a Parton song. Videos of the performance circulated on social media, leading to widespread criticism. The Grand Ole Opry issued an apology on Twitter, but many fans remained unsatisfied. This incident highlights the tension between artistic freedom and audience expectations, as well as the importance of accountability in the entertainment industry.