Eric Church Rips Reality Singing Competitions – 10 Biggest News Stories of 2012

In April, Eric Church appeared in Rolling Stone magazine and took a not-so-veiled shot at reality singing shows and the stars made from the competitions. “Honestly, if Blake Shelton and Cee Lo Green f—ing turn around in a red chair, you got a deal?” he said, referring to how 'The Voice' winners get their start in the business. “That’s crazy. I don’t know what would make an artist do that. You’re not an artist.”

That didn't go over well with Shelton or his wife Miranda Lambert, who got her start on 'Nashville Star.' “Thanks Eric Church for saying I’m not a real artist. Or @kelly_clarkson, @carrieunderwood & @KeithUrban,” she said. “You’re welcome for the tour in 2010.”

The next day, Church issued a clarifying statement, saying his insults were part of a larger commentary. "There are a lot of artists due to their own perseverance that have gone on to be successful after appearing on these shows, but the real obstacles come after the cameras stop rolling," he insisted in a statement, adding he has respect for Underwood, Lambert and Clarkson. His comments didn't do much to cool fans who were already angry about his statements. These two articles were among the most commented-on of 2012, and as a whole, it was the 10th most-viewed story of the year.