Country music icon Billy Ray Cyrus has spoken out in support of Beyoncé after her groundbreaking album, Cowboy Carter, was notably excluded from nominations at the 2024 Country Music Awards. The album, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and topped Billboard’s Country Albums chart, has been celebrated for breaking barriers in the genre.
“She Doesn’t Need Their Approval,” Billy Ray Cyrus Says
Cyrus shared his thoughts in an Instagram post, expressing both pride in the evolving inclusivity of country music and surprise at Beyoncé’s snub. “I’m so happy and proud to see country music opening their doors and format to be inclusive to all people, all styles,” he wrote. Yet, he acknowledged lingering challenges in the genre, adding, “I was surprised to see @beyonce wasn’t nominated??? Her album was brilliant… her single ruled.”
The Achy Breaky Heart singer also referenced his own experiences with the CMAs, recalling his 2019 win with Lil Nas X for Old Town Road. That award, for Event of the Year, was not part of the televised broadcast. “@lilnasx and I won this award in 2019… but you wouldn’t have seen it because they didn’t air it in the show,” he noted, hinting at the CMA’s history of overlooking unconventional or genre-defying contributions.
Beyoncé’s Impact on Country Music
Released in March, Cowboy Carter defied expectations, blending country and pop influences with tracks like “Texas Hold ’Em” and “II Most Wanted.” The album marked a significant cultural moment, as Beyoncé became the first Black woman to top Billboard’s Country Albums chart.
Beyoncé has previously faced scrutiny for her ventures into country music. Her 2016 CMA performance of “Daddy Lessons” alongside The Chicks ignited debates about racial inclusivity in the genre. Fans of the 32-time Grammy winner echoed Cyrus’ sentiments this week, with one commenting online, “Country music can’t evolve if it keeps gatekeeping artists who are pushing boundaries.”
Cyrus concluded his post with a message of encouragement for Beyoncé: “She doesn’t need a trophy from the CMA… or permission… or approval from any of their judges.” His words resonate, as Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter continues to spark conversations about inclusivity and innovation in country music.