Lesbian Twang?
Who the hell is Chely Wright?
Chely Wright, besides being Brad Paisley’s ex, is a country singer/songwriter that I hadn’t heard of until this morning. She has seemingly jolted her career with two words…”I’m gay.” As simple as this statement may be, America’s insatiable thirst to know every celebrity’s sexual orientation is transforming her into a household name.
I’m not ignorant enough to suggest that Chely Wright is announcing her sexuality for the publicity (even though some have). However, I’d like to suggest the timing of her announcement is suspect. It seems premeditated and too in line with the release of her latest album and book. Is she using gay as a marketing tool? Is this a valid approach?
Maybe the marketing mantra of “sex sells” is shifting toward “sexuality sells”. This isn’t a new concept. After American Idol ended last year, Adam Lambert announced he was gay. He had previously used the show to stay relevant in the news, but when the show ended, he used his gay status to create buzz until his album dropped. It’s strange to think that sexuality can keep someone afloat, but that’s exactly what is happening in Hollywood.
Reasons for “coming out” vary per person, but one trend for celebrities is in tow with personal gain. In the case of Chely Wright, fame is a motivator. We are obsessed with knowing everyone’s sexuality, and Chely Wright is one of a laundry list of celebrities who are catering to our needs.
Celebrities that “come out” on a pedestal are mitigating the validity of the gay community. This group believes that they were biologically wired to be gay. When stars like Chely Wright or Adam Lambert step out and use their sexuality as a tool, they are making homosexuality seem abnormal. I can’t help but think that most gays want to be who they are, and if that happens to be homosexual, so be it.
So, what are the risks involved in her announcement? She entertains a traditional genre, one that isn’t known for being forgiving. This announcement may sever ties with her current audience, but could also increase sales from the gay community. She is already gaining incredible awareness with the public, which is valuable.
It seems twisted that “coming out” is becoming a marketing tool rather than an intensely personal decision.
What do you think?
Hit us back at…
Post on our Facebook wall at Welt Branding
Tweet us at WeltBrand
Or join our LinkedIn group at Welt Branding: Challenge Everything
Category: Welt | Tags: Adam Lambert, Advertising, branding, Chely Wright, marketing, Welt Branding 3 comments »
May 4th, 2010 at 10:47 am
I think that it could be coming out to the public is part to sell books and cds.I mean I believe the book is about that issue.
Am sure her family and friends knew this.I think that her saying to people mag. kind takes the wind out of a media issue in the country music field when they read the book.
They couldn’t handel some sayin they hate a president.Imagine a gay country artist…
Am not gay,but feel that its good that she came out it’s so much better than hiding your life,,,I wish her the best of luck.
May 4th, 2010 at 4:14 pm
If Chely Wright appears at the San Francisco GLAAD Media Awards on June 5 it seems to me that she will have moved from a position of clarification to one of activist.
If this is the case I predict Wright will be a speaker at the next HRC (Human Rights Campaign) dinner in Nashville.
As I wrote in Stacy’s Music Row Report: CHELY WRIGHT did not choose to make the first public declaration of her lesbianism on her own Website. As the announcement was timed to coincide with the May 4, 2010 release of Wright’s new album (produced by RODNEY CROWELL) and autobiography, she didn’t want to leave the opportunity for maximum exposure (no pun intended) to chance. (Crowell’s memoir, btw, is slated for January, 2011 publication.)
My first awareness of Chely came when I received a letter from PORTER WAGONER inviting me (his former publicist) to an event at which he would be introducing his young protégé to the Music Row press corps.
There were a lot of ugly rumors coinciding with the invitation (and now I guess we know why Chely put up with them, just as she later did nothing to discourage gossip about a romantic relationship with then-unmarried duet partner BRAD PAISLEY). Wagoner had a predilection for bragging about all of his music industry conquests without regard to his marital status at the time. Depending on which names Porter dropped, the consensus of opinion was that Wagoner was being truthful at times and at other times not, so tongues wagged about why Wagoner would take such a public interest in a young woman who was not part of his own TV and/or stage show. (The Wagonmaster’s primary interest was himself and his own music.)
The story was that Wright had a rich respect for, and appreciation of, traditional country music. So, whatever Grand Ole Opry management thought about Porter’s giving Chely early entre to the Mother Church, it went along with the hype.
Wagoner’s imprimatur got Wright on the charts, but Chely gets the credit for her subsequent, if limited, success as a solo and duet artist.
It’s a shame that the Wright media blitz of the next few weeks will be based on something other than her music, since her music alone would not be enough to interest those who will be making money off of her coming out. Chely must surely realize that this reality cheapens her artistry, but who could be more aware of the reality of today’s marketplace? After all, it was controversy that inspired The Bumper of My SUV and gimmickry that propelled Single White Female to hit status…
Stacy Harris
Publisher/Executive Editor
Stacy’s Music Row Report
http://stacyharris.com/musicrowreport.html
May 5th, 2010 at 8:26 am
Stacy,
Interesting insight. It seems like you have some good connections in the industry. Do you see this having a snowball effect for musicians in country? Do you think Kenny Chesney is next?
Thanks for your post.
Steve