Jason Aldean to Make Comeback at 2024 CMT Music Awards Following 'Try That in a Small Town' Backlash

Jason Aldean Returns to 2024 CMT Music Awards

Jason Aldean Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Jason Aldean is making a comeback at the 2024 CMT Music Awards, a year after his music video "Try That in a Small Town" was removed from CMT's lineup.

The 47-year-old singer will be taking the stage to perform his song "Let Your Boys Be Country" during the awards show on Sunday, April 7. This comes after facing accusations of racism for the lyrics in his previous song.

Aldean sang about disrespecting authority and the flag, challenging the idea of toughness. He warned that such behavior wouldn't go far in a small town where people take care of their own. Crossing the line would result in quick consequences, so he advised against it.

He mentioned owning a gun passed down from his granddad, acknowledging rumors of potential gun confiscation. Aldean hinted that urban attitudes towards guns wouldn't fare well in smaller communities.

Aldean defended the song in a social media post, stating that accusations of it being pro-lynching were baseless and dangerous. He emphasized that the song, released in May, does not mention race and uses real news footage in the video. Aldean acknowledged that people may interpret music differently, but he felt the criticism went too far.

Critics on social media also pointed out Aldean's pro-gun lyrics, particularly in light of the 2017 Las Vegas concert shooting where 58 people were killed and 546 injured. Aldean responded by rejecting the criticism.

"I was present at Route 91 and our community recently suffered another tragedy. NO ONE wants to see more senseless headlines or families torn apart," he said. "‘Try That In A Small Town’ reminds me of the close-knit community I grew up in, where we cared for our neighbors regardless of differences. My political views are no secret, and I know many of us want to return to a sense of normalcy without constant upsetting headlines. That's what this song is about."

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In June 2023, Aldean released the "Try That in a Small Town" music video, filmed in front of Columbia, Tennessee's Maury County Courthouse. This location was where a Black teen was lynched in 1927, although Aldean later stated he was unaware of the history.

Despite facing criticism for the song and video, Aldean stood by his decision to release it and expressed no regrets.

Aldean told CBS News in November 2023 that he doesn't regret shooting the video and recording the song in that location. He mentioned that, if given the chance, he would do it again, but perhaps in a different setting.

He explained that he understands the reasons behind choosing that location for the video and song, and he still stands by his decision.

The 2024 CMT Music Awards air on CBS Sunday, April 7, at 8 p.m. ET. It will also be available to stream live and on-demand via Paramount+.

Editor's P/S:

Jason Aldean's return to the CMT Music Awards stage is a controversial yet anticipated moment. While his song "Try That in a Small Town"