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Tim McGraw and The Chicks news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Tim McGraw defends the Chicks at Target Field, calling their treatment a travesty.
The Chicks' 80-minute set earned a thunderous ovation, highlighting their enduring talent.
Background
The Chicks, formerly the Dixie Chicks, were effectively blacklisted by country radio and fans after lead singer Natalie Maines criticized President George W. Bush and the Iraq War onstage in London in 2003. Tim McGraw, a rare Democrat in country music, has long supported them and is now touring with them, bringing them to stadium stages like Target Field in Minneapolis.
How it unfolded
- 2003The Chicks were canceled by the country industry after Natalie Maines criticized President Bush and the Iraq War.
- 2020The Chicks released 'Gaslighter,' their first album in 14 years, which was underappreciated.
- Aug 20, 2026Tim McGraw gave a phone interview ahead of the Target Field show, praising the Chicks as one of the biggest acts in country music history.
- Aug 21, 2026Tim McGraw publicly defended the Chicks, saying their treatment was a 'travesty' and that he supports them 100%.
- Aug 22, 2026Tim McGraw performed at Target Field with the Chicks and Lady A as openers; the Chicks' 80-minute set earned a thunderous ovation.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Tim McGraw stated, 'I think it's a travesty for country music... They were the best of the best and they still are. I support them 100%.'
- Public
- The crowd at Target Field gave the Chicks a thunderous ovation and didn't want them to leave.