Beyoncé has… No? Okay, I mean Queen Bey…do I have to say the full name? Alright, the one and only Beyoncé Knowles-Carter won a Grammy for Best Country Album with Cowboy Carter, becoming the first Black woman ever to do so.
Beyoncé has built her career with poise, elegance, and Southern hospitality that has filled our hearts for decades. Naturally, fans on social media were more than curious when she hinted at a possible country album during a Super Bowl 2024 commercial and doubled down by releasing the title on social media later in March.
As we all know, she did not disappoint, but I mean what did you expect?
Cowboy Carter, a twenty-seven-track album, was released on March 29, featuring artists like Shaboozy, country legend Dolly Parton, and Willie Nelson. As well as tracks like TEXAS HOLD EM, AMERIIICAN REQUIEM, and PROTECTOR.
How did such a detailed and carefully crafted piece of artistry emerge from disapproval? Well, in the face of negativity, the most beautiful things are often created. After her performance of Daddy’s Lessons with The Chicks during the 2016 CMAs, Beyoncé faced unwarranted criticism from country fans who questioned why she was invited to perform when she wasn’t considered a “country artist.”
Beyonce tears up in this interview after winning "AOTY" at the Grammy's #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/jdkjP9AT8Z
— HEATED🔥🇯🇲 (@4everRnbGenius) February 3, 2025
“This album has been over five years in the making. It 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,” she wrote on Instagram. “The criticisms I faced when I first entered this genre forced me to propel past the limitations that were put on me. Act ii is a result of challenging myself and taking my time to bend and blend genres together to create this body of work.“
Nearly one year later, Cowboy Carter has earned eleven Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year and Record of the Year for TEXAS HOLD EM.
“The love I got from the country community tonight really made me feel so seen. And I’m very grateful,” Beyoncé said in an interview with Entertainment Tonight after winning the Grammy for Album of the Year. “Hope they continue to open up the world for people that just love and respect the genre. No matter where they come from, everybody should be invited.”
In addition to earning eleven nominations, Beyoncé became the first Black woman to top the Top Country Albums chart. The album also debuted at number one in several countries and became her eighth consecutive number-one album on the Billboard 200.
When we face adversity and criticism, we often ask the question: why? It’s important to remember that even in the most difficult times, a rose can grow from the concrete.
Congratulations to a true queen, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter.
The COWBOY CARTER tour kicks off on April 28 in Los Angeles.
Photo Credit: Parkwood Enertainment LLC
