Azalea continues public stumbles

Tribune News Service

This time last year, Iggy Azalea was riding a wave.

Between her hit single “Fancy” and a collaboration with Ariana Grande, Azalea was dominating airwaves and pop conversation.

Her dual summer smashes broke records, and the steam from her hits yielded her billing at festivals such as Made in America, performance slots on virtually every single music awards show and multiple Grammy nominations, including record of the year and new artist.

However, as the cliche goes, what a difference a year makes. And these days, her stock appears to have hit its lowest point.

A week after announcing a headlining arena tour was scrapped, Azalea pulled out of yet another high-profile gig: After ongoing controversy tied to her booking, the Australian pop-rapper has canceled a performance at Pittsburgh Pride planned for this weekend.

“This has been a difficult decision, as I truly support the event and LGBTIQA communities, however I feel my participation at this point would only serve to further distract from the true purpose of the event,” she wrote.

When it was announced that Azalea would perform at Pittsburgh’s LGBT event, it drew ire of many, given the performer had been called out for a series of old, off-color tweets.

Several LGBT-friendly groups pulled out of the event. These included the local chapter of the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network and a Unitarian church.

“I am a firm believer in equality. Unfortunately in the past as a young person, I used words I should not have. The last thing I want is for something so carelessly said to be interpreted as reflective of my character,” Azalea’s statement said.

Azalea’s nixed Pride gig is the latest in public stumbles that adds to the never-ending scorn associated with her name.

Rap fans labeled her as “too pop” to be authentic. Critics have accused her of pilfering Southern hip-hop stylings.

She’s been called out by J. Cole, admonished by Azealia Banks, ridiculed by Snoop Dogg and given a public history lesson on hip-hop by Q-Tip. Countless think-pieces on white privilege and cultural appropriation have used her as a springboard.

Her highly anticipated collaboration with Britney Spears, “Pretty Girls,” failed to move the dial. And then there is the canceled tour, which many have said was doomed from the start.