Beyoncé’s fans were left shocked and disappointed after the Country Music Awards (CMAs) nominations were announced on Monday, and the global superstar received no nominations for her first full-length country project, Cowboy Carter.
The album, released in March, was seen as a groundbreaking contribution to country music, with many fans and industry insiders surprised that Beyoncé was completely shut out from the prestigious awards.
The snub sparked outrage online, with many calling out the CMAs for excluding Beyoncé, who had previously shared that she felt unwelcome in the genre. Her lead single, “Texas Hold ‘Em,” made history as the first song by a Black female artist to top Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, a feat fans believed deserved recognition.
One fan on social media voiced the collective sentiment:
“How can Cowboy Carter be this innovative, make chart history, and still not get a single nomination? The industry needs to do better!”
Another wrote:
“Beyoncé left the door wide open for them to show their racism, and they did just that. I know she is living.”
Beyoncé’s Journey into Country Music
Beyoncé’s venture into country music was more than just an album—it was a statement.
Earlier this year, she shared on Instagram that Cowboy Carter was born out of a painful experience where she felt unwelcome in the genre, a sentiment she has carried since her controversial performance at the 2016 CMAs alongside The Chicks.
“The criticisms I faced when I first entered this genre forced me to propel past the limitations that were put on me,” Beyoncé wrote.
Many viewed her album as a reclamation of country music’s roots, particularly highlighting the contributions of Black musicians to the genre.
Cowboy Carter featured collaborations with prominent Black country artists, including Linda Martell, Brittney Spencer, Reyna Roberts, Tiera Kennedy, Tanner Adell, and Shaboozey.
While Beyoncé was snubbed, Shaboozey received two nominations for his contributions to the album, including single of the year for “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” and new artist of the year.
He took to social media to express his gratitude, writing:
“Thank you @Beyonce for opening a door for us, starting a conversation, and giving us one of the most innovative country albums of all time!”
CMA Favorites Dominate the Nominations
Unlike Beyoncé’s snub, Morgan Wallen led the nominations with eight nods, including recognition for his collaboration with Post Malone on “I Had Some Help.”
Post Malone, who also ventured into country music this year and collaborated with Beyoncé on Cowboy Carter, received four nominations for his work on the track.
While the CMAs continue to highlight familiar country artists, the omission of Beyoncé and Cowboy Carter has sparked fresh debate about representation and inclusivity within the country music industry.
For now, fans of Beyoncé are left asking: how much more must be done for Black women to receive their due recognition in country music?
