Did the Country Music Awards (CMAs) snub Beyoncé? Fans of the 43-year-old singer believe so.
On September 9, the BeyHive took to social media to express their frustration after nominations for the esteemed award ceremony were revealed. Shockingly, Beyoncé’s critically acclaimed country album, Act II: Cowboy Carter, was absent from all CMA categories, receiving zero nominations despite its stellar success, Billboard noted.
Beyoncé achieved a historic milestone with her eighth studio album, becoming the first Black woman to debut at No.1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. The project also soared to No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, earning 407,000 equivalent album units in the U.S. during the week ending April 4. This marks Beyoncé’s eighth No. 1 on the Billboard 200, spanning all genres. Additionally, Cowboy Carter topped both Billboard’s Americana/Folk Albums and Top Album Sales charts.
Fans call out the CMAs on X.
Some fans speculated that Beyoncé’s snub might be connected to her controversial 2016 CMA performance of “Daddy Lessons” with The Chicks. At the time, her appearance drew criticism from country music fans who felt she didn’t belong on Country Music’s biggest stage. However, Beyoncé had the last laugh as her performance ultimately earned the highest ratings in CMA history. Additionally, some critics noted the perceived unfairness of Post Malone receiving a nomination, questioning why Beyoncé was overlooked.
Cowboy Carter unquestionably deserved a nomination. Released in March 2020, the 32-time Grammy Award-winning artist’s album sought to honor country music’s legends while celebrating the genre’s Black roots. The album features 27 tracks, including standout songs like “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” and “RIIVERDANCE,” and boasts collaborations with country icons such as Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, and rising Black country stars like Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Teira Kennedy, and Reyna Roberts.
Shaboozey, who contributed to two tracks on the popular project, received two nominations at this year’s CMAs. His song “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” was nominated for Single of the Year, and he was also recognized as a nominee for New Artist of the Year. On Monday, Shaboozey celebrated his nominations on X and took the opportunity to commend Beyoncé for giving him a chance to shine on the album.
“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!” Shaboozey penned.
Earlier this year on Instagram, Beyoncé revealed that Cowboy Carter was inspired by a past experience where she felt unwelcome in Country Music. According to her post, the uncomfortable encounter motivated her to explore the genre more deeply.
“The criticisms I faced when I first entered this genre forced me to propel past the limitations that were put on me,” she added in her emotional caption. “It feels good to see how music can unite so many people around the world, while also amplifying the voices of some of the people who have dedicated so much of their lives educating on our musical history.”
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