Why Does the Media Care That Has-Beens Are Withdrawing From ‘Freedom 250’ DC Event?

Martina McBride was, once upon a time, one of country’s biggest stars. The emphasis there is once upon a time; a long time, unless you’re one of those types who thinks it’s only yesterday that Pearl Jam and the Strokes were on the radio and any large group of people still listened to any of those three. (No shame in that; I’m in your numbers.)

McBride’s last album that appeared in the Billboard 200 was released in 2014. Her last album certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America — for between 500,000 to 1 million sales or equivalent streams — was released in 2007. Her last RIAA platinum record — over one million — was in 2005. In less than five months, people born on the day that album was released will be able to legally drink.

Nor is she an artist with a cult audience. We’re not