In early 2023, emerging pop-country artist Stella Lefty gained widespread attention after releasing her song “Boston,” which quickly became a viral hit. The track, characterized by gentle piano melodies and Lefty’s husky vocals, struck a chord with listeners who praised its relatable lyrics about the early stages of a romantic crush. Following the song’s March release, Lefty performed as a surprise guest at the Stagecoach Festival, where the audience enthusiastically sang along, and the single climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. By June, Lefty had secured her status as a notable new voice in country music with a performance at Nashville’s CMA Fest.

However, the rising artist soon faced controversy over alleged similarities between “Boston” and Noah Kahan’s 2022 song “Stick Season.” Lefty acknowledged that representatives from Kahan’s camp had reached out to express concerns about the resemblance. As a result, she agreed to credit Kahan as a co-writer prior to the official release, emphasizing that she had not consciously drawn inspiration from his work during the songwriting process.

Despite these efforts, Lefty’s rapid success and her familial ties—she is the daughter of Eric Lefkofsky, billionaire co-founder of Groupon—fueled backlash online. Critics accused her of copying Kahan, dubbing her with nicknames such as “Stella Thefty” and labeling her an “industry plant” or “nepo baby.” Social media users produced detailed analyses of her music, highlighting perceived similarities not only to “Stick Season” but also to songs by artists including the Chicks and Wheatus. In the case of her track “Summer You Were Mine,” songwriting credits were updated post-release to include Tia Sillers and Mark Selby, who wrote the Chicks’ “There’s Your Trouble.” Lefty’s representatives attributed this to an initial error on streaming platforms.

Musicologists who have reviewed the matter caution that such claims can be complex. Nate Sloan, a forensic musicologist at the University of Southern California, noted that while “Boston” and “Stick Season” share some melodic contours and phrasing, they are not identical from a musicological standpoint. Sloan underscored the human tendency to recognize and fill in perceived patterns, which can magnify similarities that may be coincidental. Brian McBrearty, another forensic expert, added that audiences often infer copying in cases where independent creation is equally plausible.

Legal experts explain that to establish copyright infringement, plaintiffs must prove ownership of a valid copyright, demonstrate substantial similarity between the works, and show that the accused had access to the original material. The high-profile 2018 “Blurred Lines” case, which involved Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams, hinged in part on evidence of conscious stylistic borrowing. Lefty’s proactive decision to credit Kahan could mitigate potential legal challenges related to access and similarity. Nonetheless, courts apply a rigorous standard to determine whether songs are substantially similar under copyright law.

The controversy surrounding Lefty’s songwriting has become a pervasive topic on social media, even inspiring a cut sketch from “Saturday Night Live.” Still, experts stress that accusations of interpolation are common in the music industry; artists such as Olivia Rodrigo and Beyoncé have faced similar scrutiny, often resolving disputes by adjusting credits or production choices. Sloan noted that while Lefty’s case has drawn attention due to her background and the volume of online criticism, many popular musicians encounter comparable claims throughout their careers. Lefty’s representatives have not provided public comment on the matter.