Reba McEntire Blasts Post Malone’s Country Win: “Lord Help Me, If Singing Country Music Means Being Covered In Tattoos, Drinking Beer Like It’s Water, And Not Knowing The Smell Of Cow Shit, Then I’ll Quit This Damn Job!”

In a shocking outburst that has set the country music world ablaze, Reba McEntire, the undisputed “Queen of Country,” reportedly took aim at Post Malone’s recent foray into country music. The controversy erupted following Malone’s celebrated performance and win at a major country music awards show, prompting McEntire to allegedly declare, “Lord help me, if singing country music means being covered in tattoos, drinking beer like it’s water, and not knowing the smell of cow shit, then I’ll quit this damn job!”

The Spark of Controversy

Reba McEntire, with a career spanning over four decades, is no stranger to the evolving landscape of country music. Known for hits like “Fancy” and “I’m a Survivor,” McEntire has long championed the traditional roots of the genre, often emphasizing its connection to rural life, heartfelt storytelling, and authenticity. Her alleged comments, though unverified through official channels, have stirred a heated debate about what it means to be a country artist in 2025.

Post Malone, a Syracuse-born rapper-turned-country-artist, has been making waves in the country music scene with his debut country album, F-1 Trillion, and high-profile performances, including a standout duet with McEntire at the 2024 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards. His collaboration with Morgan Wallen, “I Had Some Help,” shattered streaming records, and his appearances at events like Stagecoach and the Super Bowl have cemented his place in the genre. However, his tattooed appearance, urban background, and pop-rap roots have made him a polarizing figure among traditionalists.

Reba’s Roots vs. Malone’s Reinvention

McEntire’s alleged statement reflects a broader tension within country music: the clash between its traditional roots and the modern, genre-blending influences brought by artists like Malone. Born and raised on an 8,000-acre ranch in Chockie, Oklahoma, McEntire’s life was steeped in the realities of rural life—cattle ranching, rodeos, and hard work. As she told the Wall Street Journal, “I didn’t play cowgirl growing up, I was one.” Her music has often reflected these experiences, resonating with fans who value the genre’s authenticity.

In contrast, Post Malone, born Austin Richard Post, grew up in Syracuse, New York, before moving to Grapevine, Texas, at age nine. His rise to fame came through hip-hop and trap music with hits like “White Iverson,” and his transition to country has been met with both praise and skepticism. While Malone has paid homage to country icons like Hank Williams Jr. and Dwight Yoakam, his image—marked by facial tattoos and a rockstar persona—stands in stark contrast to the cowboy hats and boots of traditional country.

“I love country music: what it stands for, how it relates to people of every walk of life,” McEntire once said in a 2019 Billboard interview, emphasizing her commitment to the genre’s core values.

Fan Reactions: A Divided Community

The alleged comments attributed to McEntire have ignited a firestorm on social media, with fans and critics taking sides. Traditionalists rallied behind McEntire, praising her for defending the genre’s heritage. One X user posted, “Reba’s right—country music is about real life, not tattoos and partying. Malone’s a poser.” Others, however, defended Malone’s contributions, arguing that his fresh perspective is revitalizing the genre. “Post Malone’s bringing new fans to country. Reba needs to chill,” another user wrote.

Notably, McEntire and Malone have shared the stage before, performing an a cappella cover of The Allman Brothers Band’s “Ramblin’ Man” at the 2024 ACM Awards. The duet was well-received, with American Songwriter noting that it “left fans in a frenzy.” This history makes the alleged comments all the more surprising, raising questions about whether they were taken out of context or reflect a genuine frustration.

The Evolution of Country Music

Country music has always been a genre of change, evolving from the folk ballads of the early 20th century to the pop-infused sounds of the 1980s and the bro-country wave of the 2010s. Artists like Taylor Swift, Beyoncé (with her 2024 album Cowboy Carter), and now Post Malone have pushed the boundaries of what country can be, often to the chagrin of purists. McEntire herself has experimented with pop and R&B influences, as seen in her 1988 album Reba, but she has consistently returned to her traditional roots, as evidenced by her 2019 album Stronger Than the Truth.

In a 2019 interview with PBS News, McEntire acknowledged the cyclical nature of the genre: “Sometimes country’s more traditional, sometimes more contemporary. Sometimes they’re playing more men, sometimes more women.” Her alleged comments about Malone suggest a concern that the genre’s core identity is being diluted by newcomers who lack a connection to its rural origins.

What’s Next for Reba and Post?

As of now, McEntire has not publicly confirmed or denied the statement, and her team has remained silent on the matter. Given her reputation for staying “middle-of-the-road” on controversial topics, as noted by Esquire during her 2019 ACM Awards hosting gig, it’s possible the quote was exaggerated or misinterpreted. McEntire has a history of supporting new artists, including female performers like Miranda Lambert and Kelsea Ballerini, and her 2024 Super Bowl performance alongside Malone suggests a willingness to collaborate across genres.

For Post Malone, the controversy is unlikely to slow his momentum. His country album has been a commercial success, and collaborations with artists like Luke Combs and Dolly Parton have solidified his credibility. As he told GRAMMY.com, his love for country music stems from a genuine appreciation for its storytelling and emotional depth, qualities he aims to emulate in his work.

Conclusion: A Genre at a Crossroads

Reba McEntire’s alleged outburst, whether true or embellished, underscores a pivotal moment in country music’s history. As the genre continues to attract diverse voices, debates over authenticity and tradition will only intensify. For now, fans are left to ponder whether McEntire’s words were a passionate defense of her roots or a rare misstep from a beloved icon. One thing is certain: the conversation about what defines country music is far from over.