Florida Georgia Line (FGL), the American country music duo, became a household name with their catchy tunes, blending country, pop, and rock elements into an infectious sound. Composed of Tyler Hubbard from Georgia and Brian Kelley from Florida, they rose to fame with songs like “Cruise,” “H.O.L.Y.,” and “Meant to Be.” Their distinct style attracted fans from all music genres, not just country. However, in 2022, the duo announced they were going their separate ways. Fans were left with one burning question: Why did Florida Georgia Line split?
In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind their breakup, how it all unfolded, and what the future looks like for both Hubbard and Kelley. We’ll dig deep into the factors that led to the split, while keeping the language easy to follow so that anyone—even a 5-year-old—can understand the situation.
A Strong Partnership: The Early Days of Florida Georgia Line
Florida Georgia Line didn’t just start out as a global sensation. Like most musical acts, they began with a strong partnership. Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley met at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. They quickly bonded over their shared love of country music, blending it with modern elements that made their sound unique.
Their first single, “Cruise,” exploded onto the scene in 2012, breaking records and topping charts for weeks. It became one of the best-selling country songs of all time. This success was a glimpse into what would become a decade of chart-topping hits, awards, and sold-out shows. FGL wasn’t just a duo—they were a brand that represented fun, freedom, and a fresh take on country music.
But even the most successful partnerships sometimes face challenges. And despite the heights they reached together, many fans were left wondering why did Florida Georgia Line split?also read What Is the Age of Consent in Florida? A Complete Guide to Understanding the Law
Different Visions: Musical and Personal Divergence
One of the key reasons behind why Florida Georgia Line split seems to be that Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley began to have different visions for their music. Over time, both artists developed individual interests and personal projects outside of FGL, which pulled them in separate directions.
Hubbard, for example, expressed a desire to dive deeper into songwriting and explore more of the pop-country crossover that had helped Florida Georgia Line gain their massive audience. On the other hand, Kelley showed a growing interest in pursuing solo projects that leaned more into traditional country and coastal-inspired sounds, reflecting his Florida roots.
The duo even hinted at these differences before their official split. In interviews, they mentioned how they each had personal and musical paths they wanted to explore, but they were still working as a team. However, over time, those separate paths became more defined, and their interests no longer aligned as smoothly as they once did.
Political Tensions: A Strain on Their Friendship?
Another aspect to consider when exploring why Florida Georgia Line split is the possibility of political differences. In 2020, during a heated U.S. presidential election, fans noticed that the duo unfollowed each other on social media. This sparked rumors that there were deeper issues between Hubbard and Kelley than just musical differences.
While both artists downplayed the unfollowing incident, it did raise questions about whether their political beliefs had driven a wedge between them. Hubbard admitted that he and Kelley had disagreed on various topics, but he insisted that they were still friends and that politics had not caused a major rift in their relationship.
Although both tried to brush off the significance of their political differences, fans couldn’t help but wonder if this was part of the reason why Florida Georgia Line split. It’s not uncommon for close partnerships, even in business or music, to face challenges when personal views and beliefs clash.
Exploring Solo Careers: Time for Independence
As time went on, both members of Florida Georgia Line expressed interest in working on solo projects. This doesn’t necessarily mean there was bad blood between them, but rather, a natural evolution in their careers. Hubbard and Kelley were each ready to step out on their own and see what they could achieve as solo artists.
In 2021, Brian Kelley released his first solo album, Sunshine State of Mind. The album embraced a coastal, laid-back country sound that reflected his Florida upbringing. Kelley wanted to explore his identity outside of the Florida Georgia Line brand and show his fans a different side of his musical abilities.
Tyler Hubbard, meanwhile, focused on solo music projects and collaborations with other artists. He released his own single, “Undivided,” and worked with well-known stars like Tim McGraw. Hubbard also expressed excitement about being able to pursue his own music without the need to compromise with a bandmate.
For both Hubbard and Kelley, the decision to explore solo careers wasn’t necessarily a negative one. It was about personal growth and the opportunity to pursue their individual artistic visions. But, for fans, this marked the end of an era and left them asking why did Florida Georgia Line split after such a successful partnership.
Final Tour: Saying Goodbye to Fans
Despite their growing independence, Florida Georgia Line didn’t immediately break up. In fact, they continued to perform and release music together for a while after hinting at their individual projects. However, by early 2022, it became clear that the end was near for the duo. They announced that their 2022 tour would be their last, which led to even more speculation about why Florida Georgia Line split.
Their final tour was a bittersweet experience for both the artists and their fans. On stage, they continued to perform their hits with energy and enthusiasm, but the underlying knowledge that this would be their last tour together added a layer of emotion to the performances. Fans cherished the opportunity to see Florida Georgia Line one last time, while Hubbard and Kelley each prepared to move on to the next chapter of their careers.
Are They Still Friends?
When discussing why did Florida Georgia Line split, one common question that comes up is whether Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley are still friends. While their musical partnership may have ended, both artists have stated that they are still on good terms with one another. In interviews, they’ve expressed gratitude for the time they spent together and for everything they accomplished as a duo.
Even though they’re no longer making music together as Florida Georgia Line, Hubbard and Kelley have emphasized that they remain supportive of each other’s solo careers. This isn’t always the case when bands or duos split, so it’s a positive sign that their friendship has endured beyond their professional relationship.
What Does the Future Hold for Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley?
Now that we’ve explored why Florida Georgia Line split, it’s natural to wonder what the future holds for both Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley. Both artists have been hard at work on their solo careers since the split, and it seems they’re excited about the opportunities ahead.
For Hubbard, his solo music continues to blend the pop-country elements that made Florida Georgia Line so popular. He’s been collaborating with other big names in the industry and is carving out a unique identity as a solo artist.
Kelley, meanwhile, has fully embraced his coastal country vibe and is continuing to release music that reflects his Florida lifestyle. His solo projects are more focused on traditional country music, and he’s building a brand around his laid-back, beachy sound.
Fans of Florida Georgia Line may be sad to see the duo go their separate ways, but the good news is that both Hubbard and Kelley are still making music. While the Florida Georgia Line chapter may have come to an end, the story of their individual careers is just beginning.
Conclusion: Why Did Florida Georgia Line Split?
So, why did Florida Georgia Line split? The answer is a combination of factors. As with many partnerships, both personal and professional, Hubbard and Kelley grew apart over time, each developing their own musical and personal interests. While political differences and differing musical visions may have played a part, the primary reason seems to be that both artists were ready to explore their solo careers and chart their own paths.
Although it’s sad for fans to see the end of Florida Georgia Line, both Hubbard and Kelley are continuing to make music, just in different ways. Their legacy as a duo remains strong, and their solo projects offer new opportunities for them to grow as artists.
In the end, the split wasn’t about conflict or failure—it was simply a natural evolution for two musicians who had spent a decade building something incredible together. And who knows? Maybe one day, they’ll reunite for another collaboration. For now, though, fans can enjoy the music they left behind and look forward to what’s next for both Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley.
