Shocking Reactions: Celebs Spill the Truth Behind Beyoncé’s CMA 2024 Snub

Beyoncé was hoping for a big moment at the 2024 Country Music Awards, especially with her hit song Texas Hold ‘Em and her album Cowboy Carter. These works brought a fresh country vibe, but in a surprising turn, Beyoncé didn’t get a single nomination. Fans and celebrities were shocked, and even her dad, Mathew Knowles, joined the conversation, making the situation even more heated.

Beyoncé’s journey into country music has been a bold one. She released Texas Hold ‘Em and Cowboy Carter in February 2024, and fans and critics alike were excited to see her succeed in this new genre. Texas Hold ‘Em was a hit, topping the Billboard charts and making history for Beyoncé as a Black woman in country music. But despite all her success, the Country Music Awards didn’t nominate her for any awards.

Her fans, known as the Beyhive, were furious. They flooded social media with messages saying she had been “robbed” and accusing the CMA of being “spiteful” and even “racist.” One fan said, “How do you not nominate her for Artist of the Year after her song stayed at the top of the country charts for a week? And Post Malone is nominated instead?”

Backlash and support

The reaction to Beyoncé’s move into country music has been intense. Actor and singer John Schneider, famous for The Dukes of Hazzard, criticized her country album in a harsh interview, comparing her attempt to mark her territory like a dog peeing on a tree. At the same time, a country radio station in Oklahoma refused to play Texas Hold ‘Em, saying, “We do not play Beyoncé on KYKC as we are a country music station.”

However, critics loved the song. Texas Hold ‘Em received praise for its authenticity, catchy tone, and Beyoncé’s vocal performance. Rolling Stone even ranked it among the greatest country songs of all time. So why wasn’t the CMA acknowledging her work?

Kelly Clarkson speaks out

This isn’t the first time Beyoncé has faced challenges in the country music world. In 2016, her performance of “Daddy Lessons” at the CMAs with The Chicks sparked controversy. Many felt that the country music community wasn’t welcoming her. Beyoncé herself has said that Cowboy Carter was inspired by her experiences of not feeling welcomed in the country scene, which some see as a reference to her past issues with the CMA.

Kelly Clarkson, a country music star herself, was surprised that Beyoncé didn’t get any nominations. She said that it was odd because her songs were everywhere. Clarkson also shared how she was once told that her own country music wouldn’t be played unless she fully committed to the genre.

Shaboozey, who worked with Beyoncé on Cowboy Carter, praised her contribution to country music. He called her album “one of the most innovative country albums of all time.” Whoopi Goldberg also shared her thoughts, saying she didn’t think Beyoncé’s snub was a big deal, stating, “It wasn’t for them.”

Country stars like Luke Bryan gave their opinions as well. Bryan said everyone loved that Beyoncé made a country album, but he felt that if she wanted to be accepted in the country world, she needed to fully join the community. Dolly Parton also shared her view, suggesting that the CMA’s decision wasn’t about excluding Beyoncé but more about the type of country music that was popular at the time.

Mathew Knowles, Beyoncé’s father, suggested that race played a part in the decision. In an interview, he explained that America’s racial divide might have influenced the voting process. While he clarified that he wasn’t accusing anyone of being racist, he felt that sometimes people’s decisions aren’t based on talent or achievement but on racial biases.

At the 2024 CMA Awards, other artists like Morgan Wallen, Chris Stapleton, and Lainey Wilson won major awards. Despite Beyoncé’s snub, Cowboy Carter and her journey into country music have sparked important conversations about race, identity, and inclusion in the country music industry.