The Dixie Chicks return to politics after Republican ban, perform National Anthem at DNC

The Chicks, previously known as The Dixie Chicks, performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the Democratic National Convention on Thursday night, adding a new chapter to their complex political journey.

Once a top name in country music, The Chicks gained fame with their hit albums, 1998's Wide Open Spaces and 1999's Fly, both achieving diamond status with over 10 million copies sold each.

However, their popularity took a hit in 2003 when lead singer Natalie Maines voiced opposition to the U.S. invasion of Iraq and criticized then-President George W. Bush during a London concert. Her comments ignited backlash from many U.S. country radio stations, leading to a strained relationship with the country music industry. Despite an apology from Maines, which she later retracted, the band faced a decline in support amidst a climate of pro-war and patriotic country songs.

The Chicks’ 2006 album Taking the Long Way directly addressed the controversy, particularly through the song "Not Ready to Make Nice." The album received both commercial success and critical acclaim, winning the Grammy Award for Album of the Year, but it marked their last release until 2020.

In 2020, the band dropped "Dixie" from their name in response to the Black Lives Matter movement and released Gaslighter. Although their plans for a major tour were canceled due to COVID-19, they performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the virtual Democratic National Convention.

Now, four years later, The Chicks are set to perform the National Anthem live at Chicago’s United Center. Their performance holds additional cultural significance, as "Not Ready to Make Nice" has recently been adopted by conservative TikTok influencers opposing Kamala Harris’ candidacy. Although they won’t perform the song on Thursday, The Chicks aim to redefine their narrative once again.