Kacey Musgraves Asks Fans to Donate to Children of Immigrants During Opening Night of Tour

Grammy-winning country star Kacey Musgraves is drawing attention following the opening night of her Middle of Nowhere Tour on Friday. While the singer’s shimmering entrance atop what she calls “disco balls” has circulated online, another moment from the Chicago show has sparked debate.

Musgraves paused the concert to share a birthday request with fans, asking them to donate to the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights.

“It’s a wonderful organization, and they help give aid — legal aid — and money to children whose parents have been deported unfairly,” Musgraves said. “It’s not a political thing. It’s just, these kids need help.”

According to its website, the Chicago-based organization “protects and advances the rights and best interests of unaccompanied and separated immigrant children, ensuring they are recognized first and foremost as children.”

Photo by Kelly Christine Sutton

This is not the first time Musgraves has publicly supported the Young Center. In April, resale platform Depop announced that 20 pieces from Musgraves’ wardrobe would be sold, with Women’s Wear Daily reporting that proceeds would benefit the organization.

Musgraves’ birthday request drew mixed reactions online over the weekend, with some fans applauding her decision to use the concert to support the organization.

“Reminder, she grew up conservative in Texas. It’s always ok to change your mind after more information and new perspectives!” one person wrote on Instagram.

Other commenters criticized Musgraves for discussing the issue during her show.

“Celebrities need to keep their political views to themselves,” another commenter wrote. “That does not belong in entertainment.”

Musgraves has not publicly addressed the online reaction. Her Middle of Nowhere Tour is scheduled to continue Monday night at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.