K. Michelle: Interviewer Called Out for Dismissing Country Roots
K.Michelle, Now Puddin’, Defends Country Music Roots
K. Michelle, who now goes by Puddin’ in the country music scene, recently corrected an interviewer who suggested she didn’t grow up with country music. The Memphis native emphasized her lifelong connection to the genre.
“I did grow up in country music,” Puddin’ stated,recalling her Southern upbringing and a college scholarship she earned for yodeling. She cited her performance with Jelly Roll at the 57th Annual Country Music Association Awards in 2023 as further evidence of her country roots.
The former R&B artist emphasized that country music has “always been a thing for me.” She recounted being told she couldn’t sing country music as she was Black, a barrier she continues to challenge.
Speaking about her appearance at the 2025 CMA Fest, Puddin’ noted, “I’m born and raised in Tennessee. I didn’t fly here. I grew here.” She expressed her happiness in singing the songs that reflect who she is.
when the interviewer mentioned K. Michelle’s absence from contemporary country radio, she responded, “Well, you don’t hear a lot of women in contemporary radio, period, right now. And you really don’t hear Black ones, but you will.”
You betta let ‘em know! puddin, aka K. Michelle,corrects an interviewer after she incorrectly assumes that K. Michelle didn’t grow up in country music.
?: American Songwriter pic.twitter.com/trrkhFE8kO— VIBE Magazine (@VibeMagazine) June 11, 2025
What’s next
Puddin’s “Outlaw Music” project is forthcoming. Her debut country single, “Tennessee,” is available now. She signed with BMG Nashville in 2024, signaling her commitment to her country music career.