Morgan Wallen has emerged as one of the most prominent and swiftly ascending talents within the country music scene over the past few years. Despite facing various controversies throughout his career, the 30-year-old artist, known for his hit “Last Night,” has consistently topped the music charts and achieved remarkable crossover success. His albums, Dangerous: The Double Album and One Thing at a Time, both secured the number one position on the Billboard charts, showcasing his widespread appeal. Notably, his single “Last Night” reached the pinnacle of the Hot 100 chart, solidifying his status as a leading figure in contemporary music.

Although primarily recognized as a country singer, Morgan Wallen has ventured into collaborations with various artists spanning different genres, particularly in hip-hop. He has worked on multiple tracks alongside renowned rappers such as Lil Durk, Drake, and most recently, Post Malone on their collaborative track “I Had Some Help,” which has received a nomination at the 2024 Country Music Awards. These collaborations highlight his versatility and willingness to blend different musical styles, further expanding his fan base and influence across various genres.

Matt Baron/BEI/ShutterstockHere’s what else you need to know about Morgan Wallen’s compelling journey in the music industry:

Discover How Morgan Wallen’s Debut Album Took Two Years to Reach the Top of the Charts

Morgan Wallen’s first studio album, If I Know Me, was released on April 27, 2018. Prior to this, he had already garnered attention by opening for the iconic country duo Florida Georgia Line during their 2017 tour. The album featured the hit second single “Up Down,” which showcased his emerging talent. However, it was his third single “Whiskey Glasses,” released in the summer of 2018, that truly captivated audiences, taking time to build momentum before soaring to the number one spot on the country radio airplay charts in June 2019. Remarkably, If I Know Me finally ascended to the number one position on the Billboard Country Album chart in August 2020, a full 114 weeks post-release, demonstrating the album’s enduring popularity and Wallen’s resilience in the competitive music landscape.

Understand the Impact of Morgan Wallen’s COVID Quarantine Violation on His Career

In a significant turn of events, Morgan Wallen faced backlash after violating strict COVID-19 quarantine protocols set by SNL. He was seen in various TikTok videos partying in Tuscaloosa, AL, shortly after the University of Alabama’s football game. The videos depicted Morgan at a bar and a house party, where he was observed without a mask, failing to maintain social distancing, and engaging in reckless behavior, including kissing fans. This incident raised serious questions regarding his judgment and responsibility as a public figure during a global health crisis.

On October 7, the then-27-year-old artist took to Instagram from his New York hotel room, where he revealed that he was preparing for his scheduled performance. However, he received a call from the show stating he would no longer be able to appear due to COVID protocols. Morgan acknowledged that although he had tested negative for the virus, his actions over the weekend were “pretty short-sighted” and had serious repercussions for his long-term career goals and aspirations. He expressed regret for his behavior and recognized the impact it had on his life and professional opportunities.

Two months after the initial controversy, Morgan Wallen made his long-awaited appearance on Saturday Night Live as the musical guest. He had previously issued an apology for jeopardizing the safety of the cast and crew due to his maskless partying. During the show, he performed two of his hit songs, “7 Summers” and “Still Goin’ Down,” during an episode hosted by Jason Bateman. Additionally, he participated in a sketch that humorously addressed his recent scandal, showcasing his ability to move forward while acknowledging his past mistakes.

Explore Morgan Wallen’s Journey as a Contestant on ‘The Voice’

Morgan Wallen’s musical journey began with his participation in the sixth season of the popular singing competition, The Voice, in 2014. Interestingly, the talented singer, hailing from Tennessee, did not align himself with renowned coach Blake Shelton. Instead, he started on Team Usher before eventually moving to Team Adam Levine. Unfortunately, he was eliminated during the playoff rounds, but this experience proved valuable in shaping his career and honing his skills as a performer in the highly competitive music industry.

Learn About Morgan Wallen’s Role as a Father

In a significant personal milestone, Morgan Wallen welcomed his son, Indie Wilder, in July with his ex-fiancée, Katie Smith. He shared an emotional Instagram post on July 1, cradling his newborn son and expressing how fatherhood has transformed his perspective on life. He wrote, “Little Wilder, I’m a changed man. I see mine differently now. It’s not just me anymore, and I’m glad it’s not. This year has been the hardest of my life in so many ways, but that’s not what I will remember it by. You are.” This heartfelt message reflects the profound impact of fatherhood on his journey and personal growth.

Examine the Controversy Surrounding Morgan Wallen’s Use of a Racial Slur

In another troubling chapter of his career, Morgan Wallen found himself embroiled in controversy after a video surfaced showing him using a racial slur outside his Tennessee home. The footage, obtained by TMZ, captured Wallen and his friends arriving home around midnight, making considerable noise, which prompted neighbors to record the incident. During this confrontation, Morgan was heard advising someone to watch over a friend while using derogatory language, an act that sparked outrage and condemnation from fans and fellow artists alike.

In response to the backlash, Morgan Wallen posted a lengthy video apology on February 10, 2021, where he sought to clarify his comments and take responsibility for his actions. He candidly stated, “The video you saw of me was me on hour 72 of 72 of a bender, and that’s not something I’m proud of.” He expressed his regret for letting many people down and acknowledged the need for growth. Wallen committed to engaging in meaningful conversations with Black organizations, executives, and leaders to better understand the implications of his actions, emphasizing that “our actions matter, our words matter.”

Days before his video apology, Morgan had also publicly expressed his remorse through a statement, saying, “I’m embarrassed and sorry. I used an unacceptable and inappropriate racial slur that I wish I could take back. There are no excuses to use this type of language, ever. I want to sincerely apologize for using the word. I promise to do better.” This incident has had lasting effects on his career, prompting discussions about accountability and the importance of understanding the impact of one’s words.