Why did Florida Georgia split up? Country music lovers are having difficulty accepting the news that the hit-making duo Florida Georgia Line members have allegedly parted ways. Classic rock lovers can relate as they are still not over the Beatles going their separate ways.

The duo enjoyed twelve years of commercial success in their rock, hip-hop, and country music blend. 2012 saw the release of the duo’s debut single, “Cruise,” remixed by Nelly.

Nelly collaborated again with the duo on their final track, “Little Bit.” The song topped the Billboard’s country sales chart for over 24 weeks, becoming the first to receive a Diamond certification (for 10 million copies sold). With all the success, what led to their breakup?

Why Did Florida Georgia Line Split?

There is no bad blood between Hubbard and Kelley. They told People in February 2022 that they were “taking a hiatus.”

“We are not going our separate ways,” Kelley said. “We have no plans to compose music for the time being. 

We love creating as we are artists as we resolved to do our writing after experimenting with different writers.” Hubbard insisted that “Taking a break” is the proper term and not breaking up.

Florida Georgia Line Explained

Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley began their partnership between courses at Belmont University in Nashville. The origin of their band name is Kelley and Hubbard’s hometowns of Ormond Beach, Florida, and Monroe, Georgia, respectively, and the ‘Line’ was added later.

They rapidly gained recognition in Southeast venues and developed a distinctive modern country sound. 

Following the independent release of their debut EP, Anything Like Me, in December 2010, the duo entered into a publishing and management agreement with Big Loud Mountain. They collaborated with producer Joey Moi to create the EP It’s Just What We Do.

“Cruise,” the duo’s breakthrough single, went directly into the Top 10 charts shortly after its 14-week debut. It was such an experience for the young artists as the duo toured Alabama, Brantley Gilbert, and Jake Owen that year.

In addition, they collaborated with producer Joey Moi on an EP and their debut album, Here’s To The Good Times. They signed a record contract with Republic Nashville after nearly 200,000 independent digital downloads.

The innovative undertaking originated from the respective hometowns of Tyler, Georgia, and Brian, Ormond Beach, Florida. 

The two were fond of the contemporary music their churches played and experimented with various genres, with a particular emphasis on country.

Brian played baseball at Florida State before transferring to Belmont, where he met Tyler. As soon as they both realized their sound complemented one another, they became fully committed co-writers.

Positive reviews received during their performances at the writers’ evenings in the city made them decide to pursue it as songwriters and artists. They transitioned to band performances following a series of acoustic performances at Brian’s Tahoe.

Kelley reported in February 2022 that performing the rendition of “Cruise” with Nelly was a significant event. He made this remark at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s “Florida Georgia Line: Mix It Up Strong” exhibition’s opening.

“The song expanded our potential and altered our perception of what we could accomplish with our work.” Kelley also added their interaction with locally based musicians and composers, plus their tour with the renowned Backstreet Boys was inspiring.

The two became youth faith and worship leaders after their encounters at Belmont University in Nashville. Hubbard was a student enthusiastic about gaining knowledge in the music industry, and Kelley was a baseball player who had undergone two moves. 

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Florida Georgia Line Rocked the Country World

They released five albums in the next decade and sold over five million copies. The duo were so dominant that from 2012-2020, they had 13 number 1 singles. 

Five tracks from their republic debut album “Here’s to the Good Times” sold approximately 15 million copies across digital, streaming, and physical. This was a testament to their expectations that the two were here to rock the country world.

However, the duo really cemented their place on stage by assuming pivotal roles as trailblazers. They transitioned country music and propelled it into the expansive music industry, squaring it off against digital downloads, streaming, and singles.

Their duet with pop vocalist Bebe Rexha, “Meant To Be,” dominated the Billboard country sales charts for nearly 2018. Unexpectedly, the song maintained its position at No. 1 throughout its entire chart run.

Furthermore, in the annals of chart history, Florida Georgia Line has the 1st, 3rd, and 5th longest-charting songs, respectively.

“Cruise,” their debut single, debuted at No. 3 after spending 24 weeks at the top in 2012 and 2013. “HOLY” achieved the same feat in 2016 for 18 weeks.

When questioned regarding the accomplishment, Jimmy Harnen, Big Machine Label Group executive vice president, said, “It is utterly insane that three of Florida Georgia Line’s albums are in the top five. We express profound gratitude towards all believers.”

According to their publicists and record labels, the two musicians intend to venture independently into their respective music careers.

Kelley has already released a solo album and a stage production titled “May We All,” more reminiscent of a song the group did. He also released the 2021 EP “Sunshine State of Mind.”

On the other hand, Hubbard released an EP titled “Dancin’ In The Country” containing six tracks and toured helping Keith Urban.

The Cracks in the Group

In 2020, the renowned group engaged in several social media disputes. Hubbard, for instance, unfollowed Kelley throughout the presidential campaign.

He recounted a phone conversation in which he declared to radio personality Storme Warren that he called him and said, “Hey friend, I love you. At this moment, I love you more in person than in your stories.

I am unfollowing you voluntarily. Nothing personal. Still, I love you very much. You have my eternal affection as my brother.”

Simply put, he had no desire to see the content Kelley posted on his Instagram every time he logged in. During the presidential campaign, each member supported a different candidate.

Kelley and Hubbard had previously attended therapy together, but they “hugged it out because we’re brothers, and that’s how brothers work.

Hubbard stated on Bobby Bones’ show in July 2022 that their breakup was due to Kelley initiating the relationship independently, even though there was no bad blood between them. Bubbard hinted they might consider bringing the group back together in ten to fifteen years.

He made a comedic remark that they would not get back together anytime soon, even if they were offered $1 million to perform at a wedding.

“It would be absurd to claim it had nothing to do with social media, unequal access to resources, or differing viewpoints,” says Hubbard. 

“However, the decision would have been the same regardless. BK informed me this is what he was doing when he approached me. He asked for my support and hinted at going solo. I told him I wanted him to be content, and it meant doing what needed to be done.

However, if we were to pursue solo careers, I had no intention of signing another FGL contract and continuing to release FGL songs. I couldn’t do both.” 

Kelley ensured that Florida Georgia Line would ultimately disband amicably by going solo. As a featured artist, Hubbard had intended to concentrate on songwriting and perhaps hop on a song, as he did with “Undivided.”

A song about unity by Tim McGraw that he composed and performed on the inauguration special of Bernie MacDonald’s television program. 

However, his decision to conceal FGL’s impending separation infuriated him and fuelled rumors of the duo’s final performance.

In the interview, Hubbard added, “This is the worst part.” We refrained from saying much or anything at all because Kelley initiated the breakup.

We did not want to give the impression that the separation was happening by sharing it with the public. It was difficult to maintain silence, as I felt it was not my story to tell. We blamed politics, but honestly, do you think we are splitting up because of an Instagram post?”

Their last performance signed off on a momentous era in the annals of country music. at the Minnesota State Fair. They thanked the audience for their unwavering support throughout their collaborative endeavors, then signed off with their hit song ‘Cruise’.

The rumor had been resurfacing since February 2022, and it was evident to the fans that it was happening.

“As a time to celebrate FGL, celebrate the fans, celebrate each other, and then support one another on the subsequent leg of our creative and musical journey,” said Hubbard. 

Conclusion

Why did Florida Georgia split up? Over the past decade, Florida Georgia Line has been among the most well-known country music groups. They transitioned from country to pop with songs such as “Meant to Be,” they also had a series of No. 1 country singles.

The duo, Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, respectively, from Georgia and Florida, announced they are on a break.

Hubbard featured on the “CMA Fest” rigid on his solo career with singles “5 foot 9” and “Dancin’ in the Country.” On the other hand, Kelley is preparing to release his solo album. His debut single, “See You Next Summer,” is performing favorably on the country music listings.