Wendy Shay’s mother talked about the controversy involving the singer’s young protégé. She gave a firm response to critics and drew a clear line between what she considers poor communication and misplaced blame.
The backlash followed the circulation of a video showing Tracy Shay on stage, encouraging audience members, including adults, to stand during her performance. The clip spread rapidly online, prompting a wave of commentary that questioned both the child performer’s actions and Wendy Shay’s role as her mentor and brand associate.
Responding to the controversy in a video posted on X on January 7, 2026, Wendy Shay’s mother said the uproar was being depicted incorrectly. She argued that the issue was not the performance itself but the decision to appear on stage without first informing Wendy Shay. In her view, that omission amounted to a lack of respect for the mentorship and guidance attached to the Shay name.
Wendy’s mother explained that notifying Wendy Shay ahead of time would have created space for advice on stage presence and audience interaction, potentially avoiding the criticism that followed. Instead, she said, the opportunity for direction was missed.
“What all of you are saying on social media is right. Some of you believe that the child’s mother has every right to allow her daughter to perform on any stage she wants, and that is true. However, it would not have been wrong if she had informed her godmother about the show.
“So long as she has the Shay brand attached to her name, it should remind her that Wendy Shay worked hard to build that brand. It would not have cost her anything to inform Wendy Shay. At least she could have coached her on what to do on stage,” she said.
Wendy Shay’s mother also rejected the insults and accusations being directed at the singer, insisting that Wendy Shay neither sanctioned nor attended the performance. She maintained that it was unjust to hold her responsible for an appearance she knew nothing about.
She further cautioned that the fallout could affect future opportunities for young talents seeking Wendy Shay’s support. According to her, the hostility surrounding the incident risks discouraging the singer from extending mentorship to other children.
“Those of you saying the child can do anything she wants, I want to tell you that this is the reason why most people refuse to help others.
“There are many children who call me and plead with me, saying they want to join Wendy Shay. I was even advising Wendy to establish a dance school for these children, but because of what is happening now, do you think she would want to do it?” Wendy Shay’s mother further stated.
Watch her statement below.
“If Tracy Shay had informed Wendy Shay about the program in advance, it would have helped her avoid so many mistakes on stage,” Wendy Shay’s mother says. pic.twitter.com/usTeRw8HPW
— THE STATE NEWS (@THESTATENEWSS) January 7, 2026
