What Happened to The Chicks?
The Chicks, formerly known as the Dixie Chicks, are an American country music trio who rose to massive stardom before facing significant backlash for political comments in 2003. After a lengthy hiatus and a name change in 2020, they released a new album, "Gaslighter," and are currently embarking on a 2026 tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of their Grammy-winning album "Taking the Long Way."
Quick Answer
The Chicks, comprising Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire, and Emily Strayer, are actively touring in 2026 with their "Taking the Long Way 20th Anniversary Tour," which began in September. This follows their 2020 album "Gaslighter" and their decision to drop "Dixie" from their name due to its association with the Confederacy. The group continues to be outspoken, with Natalie Maines recently making headlines for social media comments regarding the current president in May 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Band Formation
The band, originally named Dixie Chicks, was formed in Dallas, Texas, by sisters Martie Erwin (later Maguire) and Emily Erwin (later Strayer), along with Laura Lynch and Robin Lynn Macy.
Natalie Maines Joins as Lead Vocalist
Natalie Maines replaced Laura Lynch as the lead singer, completing the iconic trio that would achieve mainstream success.
Release of 'Wide Open Spaces'
Their fourth studio album, 'Wide Open Spaces,' became a massive commercial success, launching them into country music superstardom.
George W. Bush Controversy
During a concert in London, Natalie Maines stated the band was 'ashamed the President of the United States is from Texas,' referring to George W. Bush and the imminent Iraq War, leading to widespread backlash.
Release of 'Taking the Long Way'
The band released 'Taking the Long Way,' their first album after the controversy, which included the defiant single 'Not Ready to Make Nice.'
Wins 5 Grammy Awards for 'Taking the Long Way'
The album 'Taking the Long Way' swept the 49th Annual Grammy Awards, winning five categories including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year.
Band Enters Hiatus
Following their Grammy success, the band entered a hiatus, with members pursuing individual projects like Court Yard Hounds and solo work.
Name Change to 'The Chicks'
The trio officially dropped 'Dixie' from their name, rebranding as The Chicks, citing the word's association with the Confederacy and slavery, amidst renewed calls for racial justice.
Release of 'Gaslighter'
After a 14-year hiatus from studio albums, The Chicks released 'Gaslighter,' their first album under the new name, which received critical acclaim.
Natalie Maines Criticizes Current President
Natalie Maines used social media to criticize the current U.S. president, drawing a response from the White House and echoing her past political outspokenness.
Announce 'Taking the Long Way 20th Anniversary Tour'
The Chicks announced a 16-date U.S. tour to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their album 'Taking the Long Way,' performing the album in its entirety for the first time.
Anniversary Tour Tickets Go On Sale
General public tickets for 'The Chicks – Taking the Long Way 20th Anniversary Tour' became available for purchase.
Anniversary Tour Kicks Off
The 'Taking the Long Way 20th Anniversary Tour' is scheduled to begin in Detroit, Michigan, continuing through November.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The Chicks, originally formed as the Dixie Chicks in Dallas, Texas, in 1989 by sisters Martie Maguire and Emily Strayer, achieved widespread fame with the addition of lead vocalist Natalie Maines in 1995. They quickly became one of the most successful female groups in country music history, selling millions of albums and winning numerous awards.
A pivotal moment in their career occurred in March 2003 when Natalie Maines publicly criticized then-President George W. Bush and the impending Iraq War during a concert in London. This sparked a massive backlash from their largely conservative country music fanbase and the industry, leading to radio boycotts, death threats, and a significant decline in album and ticket sales. Despite the controversy, the trio released their album "Taking the Long Way" in 2006, which defiantly addressed the fallout and earned them five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year, solidifying their legacy as courageous disruptors.
Following the success of "Taking the Long Way," the band entered a hiatus in 2008, with Martie and Emily forming the duo Court Yard Hounds, and Natalie Maines releasing a solo album. They reunited for tours in 2016, and in June 2020, amidst global discussions on racial inequality, they officially changed their name from the Dixie Chicks to The Chicks. The decision was made due to the word "Dixie" having connotations with the Confederate states and slavery, a change they had considered for years.
In July 2020, after a 14-year gap since their last studio album, The Chicks released "Gaslighter." The album, co-produced by Jack Antonoff, was critically acclaimed and debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 chart, becoming the best-selling album in its debut week. Its themes often reflected Natalie Maines' personal experiences, including her divorce, and continued the group's tradition of addressing social issues.
As of June 2026, The Chicks remain active. In May 2026, Natalie Maines once again drew attention for criticizing the current president on social media, with the White House reportedly responding by calling her a "despicable nobody." The band also announced their "Taking the Long Way 20th Anniversary Tour," a 16-date theater run across the U.S. from September to November 2026, where they will perform the album in its entirety for the first time, alongside other fan favorites. They are also scheduled for other performances, including co-headlining stadium shows with Tim McGraw and festival appearances throughout 2026.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if The Chicks made different choices?