She was totally robbed!” That’s what some outraged Beyoncé fans are saying after the artist was locked out of the 2024 edition of the Country Music Awards (CMA).
As the nominees for the ceremony were announced this Monday morning (August 9), the singer did not receive a single nomination despite having one of the biggest country hits of the year, Texas Hold ‘Em.
Fans and critics expected Beyoncé to get some recognition at the awards, with some eagerly awaiting her becoming the first black woman to ever be shortlisted for Album of the Year, thanks to her 8th record, Cowboy Carter.
The album, according to the artist, was inspired by her treatment at the 2016 edition of the ceremony, in which she performed her song Daddy Lessons with The Chicks, drawing a barrage of criticism online.
“For them to disrespect her that way was disgusting,” said Natalie Maines of The Chicks about the incident.
Beyoncé was “robbed” at the 2024 Country Music Awards, receiving zero nominations despite topping the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart with her album Cowboy Carter
Despite not being considered for the awards, the success of Texas Hold ‘Em speaks for itself, having reigned at the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for 10 consecutive weeks, making it the second-longest chart-topping song of the year.
The success of the song and its album meant that Beyoncé made history by becoming the first Black woman to top the charts of that music genre as a solo artist. However, despite her achievements, the CMA did not consider her for any categories, including Entertainer or Female Vocalist of the Year.
Fans and media outlets theorized that her “snubbing” was in response to her aforementioned 2016 performance, which many considered politically charged at the time, making reference to movements such as Black Lives Matter. The CMA removed her out of the need to, allegedly, distance itself from such topics.
Maines, on the other hand, believed the decision was made in an effort to cater to “racist a–holes bombarding their website with comments and emails.”
Beyoncé described her album as going beyond country music and hinted that she made it in response to the backlash she received from the CMA back in 2016
Another reason being thrown around is the fact that Cowboy Carter was described by Beyoncé herself as not a part of the genre after all.
“This ain’t a Country album. This is a ‘Beyoncé’ album,” she wrote in an Instagram post back in March. Despite her statement, Billboard classified the recording as country in their charts.
The singer went on to explain, “[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,” which fans interpreted as a clear reference to the 2016 incident.
Lyrics of the album’s hits, such as those found on the track Ameriican Requiem, directly address her critics: “Used to say I spoke too country, and the rejection came, said I wasn’t country enough. Said I wouldn’t saddle up, but If that ain’t country, tell me what is?”
The recording had the participation of country legends such as Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton, and it was praised by a number of famous country artists like Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, and Lainey Wilson.
Morgan Wallen walked away with the highest number of nominations at seven, with four of those being for his song I Had Some Help featuring Post Malone.
What’s Next for Beyoncé in Country Music?
While the 2024 CMA snub left a bitter taste for many, it’s clear that Beyoncé’s influence in country music is far from over. The success of Cowboy Carter proves that she has a place in the genre, and her fans are eager to see what’s next.
Looking forward to 2025, it will be interesting to see how the industry responds. Will Beyoncé’s snub lead to more inclusivity in the country music scene? Will her contributions finally be recognized? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—Beyoncé has already left her mark on the genre, whether the CMA acknowledges it or not.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity
Beyoncé’s 2024 CMA snub is a glaring example of the country music industry’s ongoing struggle with diversity and inclusivity. Despite her undeniable success in the genre, the lack of recognition speaks to deeper issues within the industry. However, Beyoncé’s contributions remain significant, and her ability to break barriers in country music has inspired countless fans. As the genre continues to evolve, one can hope that future awards ceremonies will be more inclusive and reflective of the diverse voices contributing to country music today.