Grammy-winning country singer Zach Bryan is back in the headlines, this time for his new song ‘Bad News,’ which criticizes US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as per CNN. The 29-year-old Pink Skies artist shared a snippet of the track on Instagram, and it quickly went viral, sparking both praise and backlash.
From YouTube to Grammy Winner
Bryan, who hails from Oklahoma, first started posting videos of his singing on YouTube in 2017. Over the years, he has built a massive fanbase thanks to his heartfelt lyrics, raw storytelling, and authentic country sound. Last month, he made history by breaking the record for the largest ticketed concert in US history, a milestone previously held by country music legend George Strait.
‘Bad News’ targets ICE
In the teaser for “Bad News,” Bryan takes aim at ICE raids, singing lines like, “The generational story of dropping the plot / I heard the cops came, cocky motherf**ers ain’t they? / And ICE is gonna come bust down your door / Try to build a house, no bills no more, well I got a telephone / Kids are all scared and all alone.”*
Another verse touches on patriotic frustration, “The Boss stopped bumping, the rock stopped rolling / The middle fingers rising and it won’t stop showing / Got some bad news / The fading of the red, white and blue.”
Fans divided
The post divided fans almost immediately. Some conservative supporters slammed the singer, claiming he was alienating part of his audience. One wrote, “Zach Bryan just lost most of his audience. What an idiot,” while another added, “In my house, we really like Zach Bryan’s music. I won’t support him anymore.”
Others praised Bryan for speaking out on a topic many artists avoid. A fan commented, “Whether you agree or not, Zach Bryan just touched a topic most artists are too scared to talk about. This one’s gonna spark real conversations.”
Known for blending traditional country storytelling with modern social commentary, Bryan has become one of the most influential voices in US country music. With ‘Bad News,’ he proves once again that he isn’t afraid to tackle controversial issues, even if it risks dividing his fanbase.
As the full song release approaches, listeners are eagerly waiting to hear how Bryan addresses ICE and broader social issues.