“Taylor Swift hasn’t had a country hit in over a decade, even though she makes sure to put at least one on every album,” an online article read.

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On Feb. 11, 2024, Latherland.com published an article positing that the Academy of Country Music had canceled the membership of 14-time Grammy Award-winning recording artist Taylor Swift.
Academy of Country Music Cancel’s Taylor Swift’s Membership: “She Hasn’t Been Country in Years”

Taylor Swift hasn’t had a country hit in over a decade, even though she makes sure to put at least one on every album. That’s how she maintains a membership in the Academy of Country Music.

After a slew of complaints that she keeps getting nominated for awards and then winning them, even though she has no country hits, the ACM has voted to cancel her membership and send her packing.

This item was not a factual recounting of real-life events. Latherland.com is a subsidiary of America’s Last Line of Defense — a network of websites that all contain disclaimer pages that explain how they publish “parody, satire and tomfoolery.”

In other words, the rumor about the Academy of Country Music and Swift was completely made up.

In a surprising move that sent shockwaves through the music industry, the Academy of Country Music (ACM) has officially canceled Taylor Swift’s membership, citing her departure from the country music genre in recent years. The decision has sparked debates over the criteria for membership and the nature of musical evolution.

Swift, a once-prominent figure in country music, rose to fame with her country-pop blend, earning numerous accolades from the ACM and other country music institutions. However, in the past decade, Swift’s sound has evolved towards mainstream pop, distancing herself from her country roots. The ACM’s decision reflects a sentiment among some traditional country music enthusiasts that Swift no longer aligns with the genre.

According to sources within the ACM, the decision to revoke Swift’s membership was not taken lightly. It follows a period of deliberation and assessment of her recent musical contributions. While Swift’s impact on the country music scene cannot be denied, the ACM believes that her current musical direction does not warrant continued membership in the organization.

The announcement has elicited mixed reactions from fans and industry insiders alike. Supporters of Swift argue that her evolution as an artist should be celebrated rather than penalized. They point to her continued success and influence in the music industry as evidence of her relevance, regardless of genre. Others, however, support the ACM’s decision, viewing it as a necessary step to uphold the integrity of country music.

One of the key arguments in favor of Swift’s expulsion from the ACM is the impact it may have on the award nomination process. Some critics argue that Swift’s continued presence in country music circles has resulted in nominations and awards that may not accurately reflect the current state of the genre. By removing her from the equation, the ACM hopes to ensure that nominations are based solely on merit and adherence to traditional country music values.

The decision also raises questions about the nature of genre classification in the music industry. In an era of increasing genre blending and experimentation, the boundaries between musical styles have become increasingly blurred. Artists like Swift often find themselves straddling multiple genres, making it difficult to categorize their work. The ACM’s decision to remove Swift from its ranks highlights the challenges associated with defining and preserving musical genres in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Despite the controversy surrounding Swift’s expulsion, the ACM remains steadfast in its decision. In a statement issued following the announcement, the organization reaffirmed its commitment to promoting and preserving traditional country music. While acknowledging Swift’s contributions to the genre, the ACM emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of its membership criteria.

For Swift, the cancellation of her ACM membership marks the end of an era. However, it is unlikely to have a significant impact on her career trajectory. With multiple Grammy Awards and chart-topping hits to her name, Swift remains one of the most successful and influential artists of her generation. While her departure from the country music scene may disappoint some fans, it opens up new opportunities for her to continue exploring and evolving as an artist.

In the end, the decision to revoke Taylor Swift’s membership in the Academy of Country Music reflects broader tensions within the music industry regarding the nature of genre classification and artistic evolution. While it may be seen as a controversial move by some, it underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity and authenticity of musical genres in an ever-changing landscape.