“You Don’t Know the King of Country?”: Bill Maher Shocks “Hawk Tuah” Girl With Country Music Hot Takes

Hailey Welch, best known to the internet at large as the “Hawk Tuah” girl went viral after making an off-color joke. Now, she’s popping up everywhere. Over the last few weeks, she has made appearances alongside Jelly Roll, Zach Bryan, and other country performers. More recently, she joined Bill Maher on his Club Random podcast.

The conversation between Maher and Welch had featured some laughs and more than a few awkward moments as the two tried to find common ground. As the chat wore on, the topic of music came up. Welch revealed that she’s a fan of country music and the comedian/podcaster revealed how little he knew about the genre, leaving his young guest speechless.

[RELATED: First Zach Bryan, Now Jelly Roll and Warren Zeiders: The “Hawk Tuah” Girl Continues to Pop up on the Country Music Scene]

Bill Maher and the “Hawk Tuah” Girl Talk Music

“What do you listen to?” Bill Maher asked. The “Hawk Tuah” girl, a Tennessee native revealed that she listens to country music. She then seemed doubtful when Maher said that he, too, enjoyed the genre. At least, he said, the “good parts” of it.

“Like any music, I like the good parts and not the bad parts,” Maher said. “I could name lots of country. I love Brooks & Dunn. Remember them?” he added. “I love Brooks & Dunn,” Welch replied. “Do you like Keith Whitley?” When Maher revealed that he had never heard of the “Don’t Close Your Eyes” singer, Welch was stunned.

The pair found common ground with Taylor Swift. Both are fans of Swift but admitted that they liked her better when she was a country artist. Then, Maher took some time to make fun of Swift’s relationship with Travis Kelce before they moved on.

They found common ground again with Toby Keith. Maher said he found a new respect for him after picking up his greatest hits collection after he passed away earlier this year.

Maher left her stunned again after she asked his opinion on George Strait. “Don’t know his work,” Maher said. “You don’t know the King of Country?” she asked. “I know enough about country to know that he’s not the king of it. George Strait? Of all the country stars, he’s the king? More than Garth Brooks?”

Featured Image: Club Random w/ Bill Maher YouTube