Tate McRae has recently opened up about her collaboration with country star Morgan Wallen on their single “What I Want,” highlighting the complexities of her public image and the controversies that have arisen surrounding the partnership. In an interview for the October 13 issue of W Magazine, McRae, 23, reflected on how a single song can encapsulate, or even oversimplify, an artist’s entire identity.
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McRae pointed out that much of her audience may not understand various aspects of her personality, noting, “It’s crazy to think that one song could define a whole person.” She expressed her desire to demonstrate the multifaceted nature of her identity, hoping to reveal more of herself to her fans over time.
The song, which made its debut in May 2025, catapulted McRae to new heights in her career, marking her first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. For Wallen, this collaboration was significant as it was his first with a female artist. Despite the success, the partnership has not been without controversy, especially given Wallen’s turbulent history.
In a separate interview with Variety published in August, McRae faced scrutiny regarding her political views, particularly in the wake of Wallen’s previous behaviour. A 2021 video surfaced showing Wallen using a racial slur, sparking backlash. Although he later apologised, attended rehab, and contributed to the Black Music Action Coalition, the incident left a complicated shadow over his career.
McRae addressed these concerns, stating that she prefers not to be pigeonholed by any political label. “I like to say my piece through organisations I support and the environment that I have on tour,” she explained. In the past, she had released merchandise with proceeds going towards important causes, such as LGBTQ+ charity The Trevor Project and the Global Fund for Women.
As her relationship with NHL star Jack Hughes continued to attract media attention, McRae found herself further embroiled in discussions about her beliefs. Hughes had garnered his share of headlines after visiting the White House with the U.S. men’s hockey team following their gold medal victory at the 2026 Winter Olympics. During that time, he remarked on the pride they felt to represent the U.S., regardless of differing political opinions.
Despite the controversies, McRae expressed hope that her fans would recognise her genuine character through her actions and support for various causes. “It’s pretty obvious what kind of person I am and the things I support,” she elaborated, emphasising her commitment to activism and social issues.
The backdrop to the ongoing dialogue regarding McRae’s public persona is the collaborative success of “What I Want.” The song illustrated the blending of genres and highlighted the growing trend of musicians from diverse backgrounds joining forces, opening doors for innovative musical expressions.
As the music industry continues to evolve, McRae’s reflections reveal the challenges artists face when navigating public perception. The delicate balance of artistic collaboration and personal ideology can often lead to misunderstandings, complicating how fans view both the individual artist and their partnerships.
In conclusion, through her recent comments, Tate McRae has shed light on the intricacies of her music career and personal identity. As she continues to grow as an artist, the dialogue surrounding her collaborations and beliefs will undoubtedly evolve, reflecting not only her journey but also the broader landscape of the music industry today.