Beyoncé has submitted her latest album, Cowboy Carter, for consideration in the country category at the upcoming Grammy Awards. The 43-year-old superstar has long been a force in the music industry, with a staggering 32 Grammy wins under her belt. However, she has yet to receive any nominations in the country genre, and this submission marks another bold step in her ongoing journey to bridge musical boundaries.
Sources have reported that Beyoncé’s decision comes on the heels of her recent snubs at the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, where she received no nominations, and her winless streak amid 12 nominations at the People’s Choice Country Awards last week. In 2016, she submitted her track “Daddy Lessons” from the critically acclaimed album Lemonade for country recognition, but it ultimately didn’t secure a nomination.
Despite this history, the ‘Texas Hold Em’ singer is determined to make her mark in the country genre, a move that speaks to her versatility as an artist. The Recording Academy, which oversees the Grammy nominations, relies on around 350 volunteer music industry experts to classify submissions, often leading to debates over genre categorization. This was evident last year when Renaissance was placed in the dance category, where it emerged victorious.
Reactions to Beyoncé’s submission have been mixed. Some fans are enthusiastic about her entry into the country category, declaring things like, “Queen Bey takes Nashville! Beyoncé for the country win!” Others are skeptical, with predictions that she’ll be snubbed yet again: “They’re going to 100% snub her; this will be Beyoncé’s least Grammy-winning project if it wins any at all.”
One user defended the multifaceted superstar’s album, stating, “Kinda need her to win this one off principle. Genre is about bending. Yes, it’s country… but it’s also a testament to the long line of inspiration that country has enveloped. It’s not about Beyoncé; it’s about rewarding artistry without boundary.” Meanwhile, some critics argue that Cowboy Carter isn’t a true country album, with one commenter stating, “It’s the same music she always makes; she just dressed up like a cowboy.”
In a recent interview, country legend Dolly Parton came to Beyoncé’s defense after the CMAs were criticized for excluding her from the nominations. The ‘9 to 5’ singer praised Cowboy Carter, stating it was a “wonderful album” that Beyoncé can be “very, very proud of.” She emphasized that Beyoncé’s Texas roots shouldn’t be overlooked, explaining that the singer has a genuine connection to country music.
“I don’t think it was a matter of shutting out, like doing that on purpose,” Dolly added, suggesting that the decision could stem from a crowded field of established country artists.
The nominations will be announced on November 8, 2024, and the Grammy Awards ceremony will take place on February 2, 2025, in Los Angeles.
What are your thoughts on Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter? Does she deserve a Grammy nomination for her venture into country music? Share your opinions in the comments below, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell for all the latest celebrity gossip!
