Eric Church doesn’t hold back in an interview with Rollingstone magazine. Inside, Eric basically says that reality tv is no way to start a career, further your career, or basically have any positive aspect on much of anything at all…He says this in so many words, many which can’t even be written here. In fact, Eric calls-out Blake Shelton specifically for being part of something as successful as “The Voice.”

It’s become American Idol gone mad. Honestly, if Blake Shelton and Cee Lo Green f—ing turn around in a red chair, you get a deal? That’s crazy. I don’t know what would make an artist do that. You’re not an artist.”

“If I was concerned about my legacy, there’s no f—ing way I would ever sit there [and be a reality-show judge]. Once your career becomes something other than the music, then that’s what it is. I’ll never make that mistake. I don’t care if I f—ing starve.”

Well, nothing gets past anyone these days, and thanks to Twitter, Blake Shelton was able to post a response…And I’d like to give Blake props for keeping his cool, and not stooping to the curse-a-thon Eric chose to display.

“@keepinitblog: Eric Church slams Blake Shelton, @NBCTheVoice, in his interview: http://fb.me/1IjOR0jgE” I wish I misunderstood this…

Miranda also came to her husband’s defense, as well as to the defense to artists who sprung from Reality tv everywhere.

Thanks Eric Church for saying I’m not a real artist. Or @kelly_clarkson, @carrieunderwood & @KeithUrban. Your welcome for the tour in 2010.

Miranda was participant in Nashville Star while Kelly and Carrie are American Idol success stories. Keith Urban is currently a judge on the Australian version of “The Voice.”

What do you think of Eric’s statements in Rollingstone??  I give him kudos for doing country music his way, but I don’t think that gives him the expertise to tear down how other folks go about it.  After all, country music’s fan base is only getting bigger because of these shows.

**Update….Eric has released a statement with ABC News

“part of a larger commentary on these types of reality shows and the perception they create, not the artists involved with the shows themselves.”

He goes on to explain that shows like The Voice and American Idol make it seem like artists can take a shortcut to success and don’t show the hard work that goes into making a music career successful once the cameras stop rolling.

“Every artist has to follow up television appearances with dedication towards their craft, but these shows tend to gloss over that part and make it seem like you can be ordained into stardom,” says Eric. “I have a problem with those perceived shortcuts, not just in the music industry.”

Responding directly to Miranda’s tweet, Eric adds, “I have a lot of respect for what artists like Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, and my friend Miranda Lambert have gone on to accomplish. This piece was never intended to tear down any individual and I apologize to anybody I offended in trying to shed light on this issue. ”

Eric expresses gratitude to the artists and fans that have helped him so far and says he didn’t mean for his “comments to undermine their talent and achievements.”

Got some country music gossip and don’t wanna be a tattle tale? Email me, Tawny Tucker, Tawny@countrymusictattletale.com Don’t miss a country music beat! Sign up to receive free email updates or subscribe to CMTT via RSS today!