Country artist Breland expressed mixed feelings about Keith Urban's recent private concert at Mar-a-Lago, President Trump's Florida resort. In an interview on Rolling Stone's Nashville Now podcast, Breland noted the appearance could be misconstrued as an endorsement, despite knowing Urban personally. He compared it to Nelly's inauguration performance, emphasizing personal choice amid political implications.
Background on the Event
Keith Urban performed at a private concert at Mar-a-Lago in November, hosted by Australian billionaire Anthony Pratt, a Trump donor. While Trump made a brief appearance, the event was not directly tied to him. The performance drew scrutiny from fans, particularly those with liberal views, questioning Urban's motives at the polarizing venue.
Breland's Perspective
Breland, who co-wrote songs on Urban's 2020 album The Speed of Now Part 1 and has collaborated with him, discussed the gig on the podcast. 'I don’t love what that looks like as far as an endorsement, given other things that he’s publicly stated about his beliefs,' Breland said. He gave Urban the benefit of the doubt based on their personal relationship but understood why it might lead to assumptions about Urban's politics.
Breland likened it to Nelly's January performance at the Washington, D.C., inauguration. 'Go make your bag, so long as you are comfortable with the implications,' he remarked. He respects Urban's careful decision-making and assumes he weighed the pros and cons. Breland even asked Nelly directly about his choice, receiving a response tied to his military background and sense of citizenship, which he respected despite disagreement.
Contrasts with Other Artists
Breland suggested the performance might suit artists like Jason Aldean, Cody Johnson, or Nate Smith, who are openly aligned with the administration. For Urban, who hasn't been as publicly political, it stood out, making headlines. 'That’s the only reason it was a headline in the first place,' Breland added.
The interview also touched on broader topics like AI in country music and Beyoncé's reception in Nashville, but focused on navigating personal and public perceptions in the industry.