THE ERIC CHURCH APOLOGY

Eric Church has apologized for hammering reality TV competitions during a Rolling Stone mag interview.

Church's comments included: "Honestly, if Blake Shelton and Cee Lo Green turn around in a red chair, you got a deal? That's crazy. I don't know what would make an artist do that. You're not an artist."

Church was also quoted as saying: "If I was concerned about my legacy, there's no way I would ever sit there [and be a reality-show judge]. Once your career becomes about some¬thing other than the music, then that's what it is. I'll never make that mistake."

Blake Shelton, a mentor on NBC's "The Voice", tweeted a link to coverage of the story saying: "I wish I misunderstood this…"

Miranda Lambert, Shelton's wife and former "Nashville Star" finalist, followed with: "Thanks Eric Church for saying I'm not a real artist. Or @kelly_clarkson, @carrieunderwood & @KeithUrban. You're welcome for the tour in 2010."

Late Monday night Eric Church issued a statement through his publicist explaining that the quotes were not meant as a slam against artists who participated in the shows-- they were intended to be a swipe at the idea created by televised talent shows that there was a shortcut to success.

Eric explained:  "There are a lot of artists, due to their own perseverance, that have gone on to be successful after appearing on these shows, but the real obstacles come after the cameras stop rolling. Every artist has to follow up television appearances with dedication towards their craft, but these shows tend to gloss over that part and make it seem like you can be ordained into stardom. I have a problem with those perceived shortcuts, not just in the music industry. Many people have come to think they can just wake up and have things handed to them."

Church said he has "a lot of respect" for what artists including Underwood, Clarkson, and "his friend" Miranda Lambert have accomplished and explains the story was "never intended to tear down any individual."

He added:  "I apologize to anybody I offended in trying to shed light on this issue. I am grateful for all of the artists and fans that have supported me along my journey and certainly did not mean for my comments to undermine their talent and achievements."
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RELATED: Jimmy Wayne Defends Blake Shelton
 

Jimmy Wayne posted a long letter to fans at his Facebook page defending both Blake Shelton and reality television shows like ‘The Voice' and ‘American Idol.'

Jimmy says he appreciates how they provide another way for an artist to get noticed, and ultimately signed, in an industry where the "chances of winning the KY lottery are better" than getting a deal. He recalls a conversation he had with Blake Shelton many years ago, in which the then-long haired singer said he hoped his label would let him record ‘Ol' Red.'

Jimmy writes:  "Today's climate is much different than it was 10 years ago and not for the better. It's harder now than it's ever been." The ‘Do You Believe Me Now' singer cites the closing of labels and decreased revenue caused by illegal downloading as reasons why artists are "one song away from losing their record deal."

"Blake Shelton was asked to be on ‘The Voice.' Anyone in their right mind would have taken that opportunity and would have done so at half the price. This not only generates traffic for Blake Shelton but it helps the entire country music genre. That's our guy representing us on national TV. Our spokesperson. Our ambassador."

"The point is: there's no formula. There's no particular ‘way.' There's many ways to breaking into this business. A reality TV show is just one of many. A parent who has two million dollars to give the label is obviously another way. Luck is last but not least and as we all know one out if a gazillion wins the lottery!"


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