Country music has a way of evolving, but there will always be a group of dedicated country artists who truly embody the spirit of the genre. These artists are known for more than just their record sales; country music runs through their veins.
Beyoncé’s venture into the world of country music has certainly turned heads and gained her a loyal following within the genre. Her hit, Texas Hold ’em, was a success, yet it didn’t seem to help her chances at the 2024 Country Music Awards (CMA).
Despite having released one of the year’s biggest country songs, Beyoncé did not receive a single nomination. This left many of her fans, affectionately known as the Beyhive, feeling disappointed and vocal about the snub. They had hoped she would become the first Black woman to be nominated for Album of the Year.
Beyoncé’s album, Cowboy Carter, was partly inspired by her experience at the 2016 CMA. In 2016, she performed Daddy Lessons with The Chicks, only to face criticism and feel unwelcome.
Nonetheless, Beyoncé has undeniably made her mark on the country music scene. Her song topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for ten consecutive weeks, making it the second-longest-running number one hit for the year.
She also achieved the milestone of being the first Black woman to reach the number one spot as a solo artist in the country music charts. Despite these achievements, the CMA did not recognize her with any nominations.
Her friends and numerous media outlets argue that Beyoncé was overlooked due to her past performances and the perception that a country album alone doesn’t make her a country artist. This sentiment was captured by Beyoncé herself when she said, “[The album was] born out of an experience that I had years ago where I did not feel welcomed… and it was very clear that I wasn’t.”
This perceived snubbing upset not just fans, but also sparked broader discussions about inclusivity within the industry. While the controversy surrounding the 2024 CMAs might be behind us, it certainly leaves everyone curious about what 2025 might hold for Beyoncé in country music.
