Tate McRae Responds to Backlash Over Morgan Wallen Collaboration

Tate McRae reflected on the backlash to her 2025 collaboration with Morgan Wallen, “What I Want,” in her new W cover story published Tuesday (Oct. 13). The track marked her first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit, but she did not expect the team-up to prompt misunderstandings about her own political stances. “It’s crazy to think that one song could define a whole person,” she stated.

“There are many aspects of my personality that three-quarters of my audience has no idea about,” McRae continued. “You hope one day you figure out a way to show all aspects of it.”

Wallen has never shared his political views. He faced controversy for his previous use of the N-word in 2021—for which he apologized, stating at the time that he was “embarrassed and sorry”—and his proximity to other country musicians who support President Donald Trump. McRae’s own political views drew scrutiny when she teamed up with the country star. She told Variety earlier this year, “I like to say my piece through organizations I support and the environment that I have on tour … I think it’s pretty obvious what kind of person I am and the things I support.”

Though she is known for polished pop hits such as “Tit for Tat” and “Greedy,” the Calgary, Canada, native told Billboard in April that cocreating “What I Want” with Wallen did not feel “out of the ordinary”: “I used to write to only guitar in the studio, so it felt natural.”

See McRae on the cover of W below.