Kacey Musgraves Expresses Openness to Taylor Swift Duet, Reflects on ‘Golden Hour’s Enduring Success, and Champions the Arts at Variety’s Power of Women

The music world has been abuzz with speculation and hopeful anticipation ever since the iHeartRadio Music Awards last month, with fans dreaming of a momentous duet between country-pop sensation Kacey Musgraves and global superstar Taylor Swift. We caught up with Kacey EXCLUSIVELY at Variety’s Power of Women lunch on April 5, 2019, where she not only addressed these exciting collaboration rumors but also shared profound insights into her award-winning album Golden Hour and passionately spoke about her belief that “art is not a luxury.”

The Dream Duet: Kacey Musgraves on Collaborating with Taylor Swift

Kacey Musgraves, 31 at the time of the event, was one of five inspiring women celebrated at Variety’s Power of Women luncheon. On the vibrant red carpet, we seized the exclusive opportunity to ask the question on every fan’s mind: Is a collaboration with Taylor Swift something she would consider? Her response was immediate and enthusiastic, fueling the hopes of millions.

“I am interested with collaborating with pretty much anybody — anything that feels good,” Kacey revealed to HollywoodLife EXCLUSIVELY. “I’m down for whatever. I think she’s a great songwriter, so why not?!” This simple yet powerful statement sent waves through the music community. Given that both ladies stand as two of the most influential and successful artists in contemporary music, a potential duet would undoubtedly be a guaranteed, chart-topping hit, bridging diverse fan bases and blending their unique lyrical and melodic styles.

How the Taylor-Kacey Duet Buzz Began

The genesis of this exciting speculation dates back to the iHeartRadio Music Awards on March 14. Fans with keen eyes noticed that Taylor Swift, who was present at the event, chose to wear a distinctive pair of butterfly-adorned heels. This sartorial choice immediately sparked theories, as Kacey Musgraves was not only a performer at the show but also widely known for her hit song “Butterflies” from her critically acclaimed album, Golden Hour. Many interpreted Taylor’s footwear as a subtle yet deliberate hint that she might join Kacey on stage for a surprise performance of the country star’s beloved track.

While the highly anticipated moment didn’t materialize — Kacey instead delivered a breathtaking performance of her hit “Rainbow” alongside Chris Martin, the frontman of Coldplay — the seed of a potential duet had been firmly planted in the minds of fans. Once the idea of these two musical powerhouses sharing a stage or a recording studio had surfaced, the fervor quickly escalated. At the time, Taylor Swift was reportedly deep in the creative process for her seventh studio album, which would later be revealed as Lover. This presented a tantalizing prospect: perhaps her new album cycle would provide the perfect window for the collaboration fans had been eagerly envisioning.

The blending of Kacey’s distinctive “galactic country” sound, characterized by its witty lyrics, introspective themes, and subtle psychedelic undertones, with Taylor’s evolving pop sensibilities and unparalleled storytelling ability, promises a musical experience unlike any other. Such a collaboration would not only be a commercial triumph but also a significant artistic statement, further blurring the lines between genres and showcasing the boundless creativity of two modern icons.

‘Golden Hour’: A Testament to Authenticity and Enduring Success

While the possibility of a collaboration with Taylor Swift stirs excitement, Kacey Musgraves was also reflecting on the phenomenal and still-unfolding success of her 2018 masterpiece, Golden Hour. This album, a deeply personal and sonically innovative work, initially faced an uphill battle for traditional radio airplay, yet it ultimately transcended conventional metrics to achieve monumental critical and commercial acclaim. It proved to be a slow-burn success story, growing in popularity long after its initial release.

The album’s journey to widespread recognition is truly remarkable. Despite its initial struggle to gain significant traction on country radio, Golden Hour resonated profoundly with critics and an ever-growing legion of fans. Its unique blend of country, pop, and disco influences, coupled with Kacey’s heartfelt lyrics exploring themes of love, self-discovery, and acceptance, set it apart. This artistic bravery was richly rewarded when the album took home the coveted Album of the Year award at the CMA Awards, a prestigious honor within the country music genre. Its triumph didn’t stop there; Golden Hour went on to sweep four categories at the Grammy Awards, including the highly prestigious Album of the Year, Best Country Album, Best Country Song for “Space Cowboy,” and Best Country Solo Performance for “Butterflies.” These accolades cemented its status as one of the most important and celebrated albums of the decade.

Embracing Radio’s Late Arrival to the Party

Now, well after its initial release and subsequent award victories, the tracks from Golden Hour are finally beginning to garner more substantial airtime on radio waves. Kacey Musgraves approaches this newfound mainstream recognition with grace and a characteristic lack of bitterness. Her perspective is one of welcoming embrace.

“I think it’s wonderful,” she admitted regarding the increased radio play. “I welcome anyone who wants to spread what the album is about and my songs that are very personal to me, no matter when it comes along. I’m not going to stand over here and be like — ‘OH, they didn’t play me!’ Join the party! It’d be great to connect with people who listen to the radio. It’s not the only format anymore, but it’s a large format and I think it’s wonderful. Streaming services have been great in spreading the album. My team and I worked really hard, and so it pays off in a lot of ways. But to see radio joining the party makes me really happy. I’m all for it. Let’s do it!”

This candid reflection highlights Musgraves’ pragmatic understanding of the evolving music industry landscape. While streaming platforms were instrumental in the organic growth and discovery of Golden Hour, she acknowledges the continued reach and influence of traditional radio. Her philosophy underscores a belief in the power of music to connect, regardless of the medium or the timing of its discovery. It’s a testament to the album’s timeless quality and Kacey’s unwavering belief in her art.

Kacey Musgraves: Championing the Arts at Power of Women

Beyond the excitement of potential collaborations and the ongoing celebration of her musical achievements, Kacey Musgraves utilized her platform at Variety’s Power of Women event to advocate for a cause close to her heart: the importance of supporting music and the arts, especially for young people. The luncheon, a prestigious gathering celebrating female leaders and philanthropists, was sponsored by leading brands such as Audi, Lifetime, and SheaMoisture, underscoring a collective commitment to empowerment and positive change.

Alongside Kacey, an esteemed group of women were also honored for their profound impact across various fields. This illustrious roster included legendary actress and singer Bette Midler, supermodel and entrepreneur Gigi Hadid, acclaimed actress and mental health advocate Taraji P. Henson, and renowned journalist Christiane Amanpour. Each honoree brought a unique voice and perspective to the event, collectively reinforcing the theme of women shaping the world.

As part of her recognition, Texas-born Kacey Musgraves chose to highlight the Grammy Museum charity. Her decision stemmed from a deeply held conviction about the necessity of preserving and promoting musical heritage, as well as fostering new talent. She emphasized that “art is not a luxury,” a powerful statement that resonates deeply in an era where arts education often faces budget cuts and undervaluation. For Kacey, art is a fundamental component of human expression, education, and societal well-being – an essential, not an optional, part of life.

Her advocacy underscores the belief that access to creative outlets and arts education is crucial for the holistic development of young individuals. It provides them with tools for self-expression, critical thinking, and empathy, shaping not just future artists but well-rounded citizens. Kacey’s own journey from a small-town girl with a guitar to a Grammy-winning artist serves as an inspiring example of how nurturing artistic talent can lead to extraordinary achievements and profound cultural contributions. By championing the Grammy Museum, she aims to ensure that future generations have the same opportunities to explore, create, and find their voices through music and the arts.