What Happened to The Chicks (formerly Dixie Chicks)?
The Chicks, an American country music trio consisting of Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire, and Emily Strayer, rose to massive fame in the late 1990s before facing a significant backlash in 2003 for criticizing then-President George W. Bush. After a hiatus and a period of independent projects, they officially changed their name from Dixie Chicks to The Chicks in 2020, releasing their critically acclaimed album "Gaslighter." As of 2026, they continue to tour, celebrating their enduring career and landmark albums.
Quick Answer
The Chicks, originally known as the Dixie Chicks, experienced immense success in country music before a 2003 controversy over political remarks led to a widespread industry boycott. After a hiatus, the trio rebranded as The Chicks in June 2020, dropping 'Dixie' due to its association with slavery, and released their first album in 14 years, "Gaslighter." As of May 2026, The Chicks are actively touring, having announced their "Taking the Long Way 20th Anniversary Tour" for fall 2026, performing their Grammy-winning album in its entirety alongside other hits.
đKey Facts
đ Complete Timeline13 events
Band Formation
Martie and Emily Erwin (later Maguire and Strayer) co-founded the Dixie Chicks in Dallas, Texas, with Laura Lynch and Robin Lynn Macy, initially performing bluegrass music.
Natalie Maines Joins, Major Label Deal
Laura Lynch was replaced by Natalie Maines as lead singer, solidifying the iconic trio. They subsequently signed with Monument Records Nashville.
Release of 'Wide Open Spaces'
Their major label debut album, 'Wide Open Spaces', was released, selling over 12 million copies and launching them to superstardom in country music.
Release of 'Fly'
The album 'Fly' was released, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and also achieving diamond certification, further cementing their commercial success.
Controversial Remarks About President Bush
During a concert in London, Natalie Maines stated the band was "ashamed the President of the United States is from Texas," sparking a massive backlash and boycott from country radio.
Release of 'Taking the Long Way'
The album 'Taking the Long Way' was released, directly addressing the controversy and becoming a critical and commercial success, winning five Grammy Awards.
Grammy Sweep for 'Taking the Long Way'
The Dixie Chicks won all five Grammy Awards for which they were nominated, including Album, Record, and Song of the Year, for 'Taking the Long Way' and 'Not Ready to Make Nice'.
Band Enters Hiatus
After the success of 'Taking the Long Way', the band entered a hiatus, with members pursuing individual projects like Court Yard Hounds and solo albums.
MMXVI World Tour
The Dixie Chicks reunited for a successful world tour, marking their return to major touring after their hiatus.
Name Change to The Chicks
The band officially changed their name from Dixie Chicks to The Chicks, citing the word 'Dixie's' association with slavery and aligning with the Black Lives Matter movement.
Release of 'Gaslighter'
Their first album in 14 years and first under the new name, 'Gaslighter', was released to critical acclaim, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.
Launch of The Chicks Tour / 2023 World Tour
The Chicks embarked on their first major headlining tour since their name change, with legs across North America, Europe, and Oceania, extending into 2023.
Announce 'Taking the Long Way' 20th Anniversary Tour
The Chicks announced a fall 2026 tour to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their Grammy-winning album 'Taking the Long Way', performing the album in its entirety.
đDeep Dive Analysis
The Chicks, comprising Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire (nÊe Erwin), and Emily Strayer (nÊe Erwin), formed in Dallas, Texas, in 1989. Initially a bluegrass quartet, the lineup solidified with Maines as lead vocalist in 1995, leading to their signing with Monument Records Nashville. Their major label debut, "Wide Open Spaces" (1998), and subsequent album "Fly" (1999) achieved diamond status, establishing them as one of the best-selling all-woman bands and country groups in history, earning numerous Grammy, CMA, and ACM awards.
A pivotal moment occurred on March 10, 2003, when Natalie Maines publicly criticized President George W. Bush and the impending Iraq War during a concert in London, stating she was "ashamed the President of the United States is from Texas." This remark triggered an immediate and severe backlash in the United States, leading to boycotts by country radio stations, public condemnation, and even death threats. Despite the controversy, their 2006 album, "Taking the Long Way," directly addressed the fallout with songs like "Not Ready to Make Nice" and swept the 2007 Grammy Awards, winning all five categories for which they were nominated, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year.
Following this success, 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 a world tour in 2016. In June 2020, amidst global discussions on racial injustice and the Black Lives Matter movement, the trio officially changed their name from Dixie Chicks to The Chicks. The decision was a culmination of years of internal discussions, prompted by the word 'Dixie's' connotations with the Confederate South and slavery.
Their eighth studio album, "Gaslighter," released on July 17, 2020, marked their first new music in 14 years and the first under their new name. Produced by Jack Antonoff, the album received critical acclaim and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and No. 3 on the all-genre Billboard 200. "Gaslighter" largely explored themes of divorce and personal resilience, drawing heavily from Natalie Maines's own experiences.
As of May 2026, The Chicks remain active. They completed a successful "The Chicks Tour / 2023 World Tour" which included a Las Vegas residency and dates across North America, Europe, and Oceania. Most recently, on May 27, 2026, The Chicks announced their "Taking the Long Way 20th Anniversary Tour" for the fall of 2026. This tour will see them perform the entire "Taking the Long Way" album, which was released in 2006, in intimate theater settings across the U.S., alongside other career-spanning favorites. This tour signifies a continued celebration of their influential career and their resilience in the face of adversity.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if The Chicks (formerly Dixie Chicks) made different choices?