Miranda Lambert has never been one to shy away from controversy, but her latest career move — joining Morgan Wallen’s I’m the Problem tour as a special guest — has sparked a firestorm of debate among her fan base.

While some are thrilled to see two country superstars share the stage, others are deeply disappointed that Lambert, a veteran in the industry, is not headlining the tour herself, and are upset over her tour partner's previous controversial history.

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Lambert addressed the mixed reactions with humor in an Instagram Reel posted on February 4, 2025. In the video, she read aloud some of the blunt criticisms she received, including fans expressing shock and disappointment and even questioning her relevance.

One fan lamented that she was clinging to something popular to stay in the spotlight, while others insisted that Lambert was a “main course” and not just a side act. Laughing off the criticism, she jokingly responded, “We’re really doing bad on this tour, Morgan. Thanks for the support.”

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Many of her longtime supporters argue that after a two-decade-long career filled with chart-topping albums and countless awards, Lambert deserves top billing over Wallen. The fact that she is playing second to an artist with a shorter career — one who has also been embroiled in controversy — has left some fans frustrated. Others, however, see it as a strategic move, allowing Lambert to reach new audiences while keeping her name relevant in an evolving industry.

Lambert’s fan base has long been passionate but also divided. Over the years, she has built her career on being outspoken, whether about personal struggles, artistic integrity, or social issues. That same boldness has occasionally put her at odds with country music’s more traditional audience. She has openly supported the LGBTQ+ community, as her brother is openly gay, and has collaborated with minority artists, making a point to champion inclusivity in a genre that hasn’t always been welcoming to diverse voices. While this has earned her admiration from progressive fans, others have found certain career choices contradictory. 

She even stated in an interview with The Boot in 2019, "I do think we are in a moment of change and I have so much to learn," she acknowledges. The country superstar says she calls her brother and his husband, Marc, when she doesn't know what to say about a given issue. "I know I am uneducated, but I am full of love. Being in a family where I am surrounded by LGBTQ people, it has me learning and me figuring out how I can be a part of the change and be part of the community and still be the same person I have been as an artist for 20 years."

Happy Pride Y’all! 🌈 #family #ally #worldpridenyc pic.twitter.com/aoRI9VHeFQ

— Miranda Lambert (@mirandalambert) June 30, 2019

For instance, her collaborations with Jason Aldean have drawn backlash from some who felt it was at odds with her past statements on inclusivity, given Aldean’s wife, Brittany Aldean's, history of scandalous remarks towards the trans community and her feud with Maren Morris, as well as his highly criticized "Try That In A Small Town" video. Fans were shocked to see her come out for a surprise appearance at Aldean's Bridgestone Arena show in 2024.

Jason Aldean and Miranda Lambert in NASHVILLE! pic.twitter.com/SZEgoES61b

— A&Gs Dad 🇺🇸 (@TheTitanTopper) October 15, 2022

Wallen, on the other hand, has built a fiercely loyal fan base despite — or perhaps because of— his own controversies. In 2021, he was caught on camera using a racial slur, a scandal that led to his temporary removal from radio playlists and award shows. Yet, his career continued to thrive, proving that his fans were willing to overlook his missteps. For some Lambert supporters, aligning with Wallen feels like a contradiction to the values she has previously championed, making her participation in the tour an uncomfortable choice.

It’s literally baffling to me how Morgan Wallen’s career skyrocketed after very publicly saying a racial slur and adamantly refused to apologize for it. I genuinely don’t understand it. https://t.co/bCphQNcXkL

— 🍂joeycon🍂 (@seasalt_bae) October 26, 2024

This isn’t the first time Lambert has stirred conversation among her fans. In July 2023, she made headlines when she stopped a performance during her Las Vegas residency to scold concertgoers who were taking selfies instead of listening to her song "Tin Man."

Her remark, “These girls are worried about their selfie and not listening to the song,” quickly went viral, sparking a heated debate. Some fans applauded her for demanding respect for the music, while others felt she was being overly critical and embarrassing paying attendees. The moment perfectly illustrated the divide within her audience — while some love her fiery personality, others find it off-putting.

Miranda Lambert calls out fans who took a selfie mid-song. Some concertgoers decided to leave the show following the incident.https://t.co/Bg7An56cqN pic.twitter.com/ihPJyxebym

— Good Morning America (@GMA) July 18, 2023

Beyond the controversy, Lambert has continued to evolve as an artist. In 2024, she made a bold career move by leaving Sony Records after 20 years and releasing Postcards from Texas independently. The album, which she described as a return to her honky-tonk roots, was a reflection of her desire to regain control over her music and remain authentic to her sound.

While Lambert’s role in Wallen’s tour has sparked debate, Wallen himself remains undeterred. When announcing the I’m the Problem tour in January 2025, he expressed excitement about getting back on the road and sharing new music with fans. The tour, which spans 19 shows across 10 cities, features an impressive lineup of artists, including Brooks & Dunn, Thomas Rhett, Koe Wetzel, and more. Wallen’s audience remains one of the most passionate in country music, and his ability to sell out arenas proves that his fanbases' commitment to him is undeniable.

For Lambert, joining this tour could be a way to tap into Wallen’s massive audience and introduce herself to a younger crowd. Some see it as a smart business decision, while others believe it diminishes her status as a country music icon. Regardless of the debate, Lambert seems unbothered, continuing to engage with fans and focus on her music.

Photo Credit: @mirandalambert on Instagram.