Kacey Musgraves used part of the opening night of her Middle of Nowhere Tour to make an unusual birthday request. She asked thousands of fans in Chicago to help immigrant children navigating detention, separation and immigration proceedings.
The eight-time Grammy winner addressed the crowd at the United Center on August 21, which was also her 38th birthday. During the show, Musgraves encouraged fans to donate to the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights, a Chicago-based nonprofit that advocates for unaccompanied and separated immigrant children, according to Page Six.
Musgraves told the audience that the organization helps children whose parents, in her words, had been deported “unfairly.” “It’s not a political thing,” Musgraves said. “It’s just, these kids need help.”
The concert officially launched her North American arena tour supporting Middle of Nowhere, with Midland serving as the opening act in Chicago.
Musgraves Made the Young Center Her Birthday Wish
View this post on Instagram
Musgraves explained from the stage that supporting the Young Center was what she wanted for her birthday. “It’s a wonderful organization,” she told the audience, before describing its work as providing help to children affected by immigration proceedings and family separation.
The Young Center Advocates for Children in the Immigration System
The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights describes itself as a child-advocacy organization that works with unaccompanied and separated immigrant children as they navigate government custody and immigration proceedings.
Its Child Advocate Program pairs trained volunteers with children, while attorneys, social workers and other staff advocate for their wishes and best interests. The organization’s stated priorities include keeping families together, helping children obtain release from custody, supporting access to fair proceedings and ensuring children’s voices are considered in decisions affecting them.
The Young Center says it served 1,975 children from 53 countries in 2024 and opened 1,388 new cases. Its 2025 annual report describes a substantially more difficult environment for immigrant children and families as enforcement increased. The organization reported longer stays in government custody and growing demand from families seeking assistance.
Musgraves Had Already Raised Money for the Organization
The Chicago appeal was not Musgraves’ first connection to the Young Center. Earlier this year, she partnered with Depop to sell 20 pieces from her personal wardrobe, including clothing from music videos, tours and other appearances. Depop announced that proceeds from the collection would support the Young Center.
Musgraves said at the time that she liked the idea of passing meaningful pieces of clothing to other people while having the sales support what she called “a really beautiful cause.” Her Depop shop later listed the collection as sold out and confirmed that all proceeds supported the organization.
She Also Invited Three Brothers to Perform After Their Release From ICE Custody
Musgraves’ involvement with families affected by immigration enforcement also became public earlier in the spring. She invited brothers Antonio, Caleb and Joshua Gámez-Cuéllar, young mariachi musicians from Texas, to perform during three May shows at Gruene Hall after the brothers and their parents were released from immigration detention.
The Guardian reported that Musgraves extended the invitation after the family’s detention attracted national attention. The brothers had previously performed as members of an award-winning high school mariachi program.
Their father said the family fled cartel violence in Mexico and came to the United States seeking asylum. The Department of Homeland Security said the family had entered without valid permission and maintained that federal law required detention while their immigration claims were considered.
The Chicago Show Officially Launched Her Arena Tour
The August 21 concert carried multiple milestones for Musgraves. It was the official opening night of the Middle of Nowhere Tour and the beginning of an arena run built around the album she released in May. An additional United Center performance had originally been scheduled for August 20 but was canceled before the tour began.
The North American run continues through October, with stops including Toronto, New York, Nashville, Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles and Oakland. It concludes with two shows at Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena on October 26 and 27.