Eric Church Defends Comments About Reality Shows, Apologizes to Miranda Lambert and Others

Just hours after artists like Blake Shelton, and Miranda Lambert responded to Eric Church‘s comments about reality singing competitions shows and artists that take part in them, the ‘Springsteen’ singer has issued a statement in hopes of clarifying his remarks. In a press release sent by his publicist, Church says the edgy quotes in this week’s issue of Rolling Stone — which greatly offended his peers — are part of a “larger commentary.”

“Honestly, if Blake Shelton and Cee Lo Green f—ing turn around in a red chair, you got a deal?” Church said in the Rolling Stone story, which was sent to subscribers last week. “That’s crazy. I don’t know what would make an artist do that. You’re not an artist.” He added later that in the article that he’d “f–ing starve” before taking a job as judge or mentor on a singing competition reality show, as that would be a mistake and not about the music.

After Church’s quotes began to stir up dust online, both Shelton and Lambert responded via Twitter, clearly miffed by what was said.

“Thanks Eric Church for saying I’m not a real artist. Or @kelly_clarkson, @carrieunderwood & @KeithUrban. You’re welcome for the tour in 2010,” Lambert tweeted yesterday.

In his statement issued Monday night, Church hoped to clear the air, saying he has “a lot of respect for what artists like Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, and my friend Miranda Lambert” have accomplished — even though they competed on ‘American Idol’ and ‘Nashville Star,’ which inevitably helped jumpstart their careers. Shelton — who is not mentioned by name in the press release — is a coach on ‘The Voice.’

Read the full press release from Eric Church below:

The comment I made to Rolling Stone was part of a larger commentary on these types of reality television shows and the perception they create, not the artists involved with the shows themselves. The shows make it appear that artists can shortcut their way to success. There are a lot of artists due to their own perseverance that have gone on to be successful after appearing on these shows, but the real obstacles come after the cameras stop rolling. Every artist has to follow up television appearances with dedication towards their craft, but these shows tend to gloss over that part and make it seem like you can be ordained into stardom. I have a problem with those perceived shortcuts, not just in the music industry. Many people have come to think they can just wake up and have things handed to them. I have a lot of respect for what artists like Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, and my friend Miranda Lambert have gone on to accomplish. This piece was never intended to tear down any individual and I apologize to anybody I offended in trying to shed light on this issue. I am grateful for all of the artists and fans that have supported me along my journey and certainly did not mean for my comments to undermine their talent and achievements.