With a No. 1 Country Hit, Beyonce Is Taking On the Genre– Critics Take Notes or Step Aside

Beyonce Knowles-Carter made headlines when she unexpectedly dropped two new country singles, along with the release date of Renaissance Act II. During the 2024 Super Bowl, Bey debuted her Verizon commercial, which concluded with the superstar announcing, “They’re ready; drop the new music.” Shortly after, fans were given “Texas Hold ‘Em” and the ballad “16 Carriages.” In a similar wave of excitement and confusion seen during the unveiling of “Break My Soul” from the inaugural “Renaissance,” fans welcomed Bey’s new era. However, not everyone was as happy about her tip-toe into the country arena.

“Dukes of Hazzard” star John Schneider spoke with the conservative One America News Network, expressing his disdain for Bey exploring country music.  

“They’ve got to make their mark, like a dog at a dog walk park, you know every dog has to mark every tree, so that’s what’s going on here,” he explained on the show, adding that other artists such as Shania Twain, who began in country music before exploring different genres. 

Former Dukes of Hazzard actor and country singer John Schneider and the OAN host are upset about Beyoncé releasing a country song, saying that leftists are trying to take over everything and Beyoncé doing a country song is like a dog peeing on their tree. pic.twitter.com/8iWSkSidyj

— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) February 15, 2024

The lack of support was also seen among country music radio stations, who had not immediately begun playing the records, though some of this can be attributed to Columbia being a bit slow to hand over “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages” to country radio stations. While taking this leap into a predominately white genre of music, Bey has shown remnants of country music throughout her career. 

One of Bey’s earliest hints that country was on her mind was in the “Smash Into You” record from her 2008 album, “I Am Sasha Fierce.” Years later, in 2011, she delivered another ballad, “1+1,” which can be considered the long-lost sister of “16 Carriages” for its slow ascension into Bey’s romantic storytelling. Then, there was 2016’s “Daddy Lessons,” which was Beyonce jumping head first into the historical genre. What all these records had in common was the use of country elements, such as the use of the guitar. This caused a wave of criticism from the country community, who felt the record was a poor attempt. 

Country Music Television critic Alison Bonaguro famously wrote in an April 2016 blog, “Sure, Beyoncé’s new album Lemonade has a song with some yee-haws, a little harmonica and mentions of classic vinyl, rifles, and whiskey. But all of the sudden, everyone’s acting like she’s moved to Nashville and announced that she’s country now. Just because of this song ‘Daddy Lessons,'” adding, “If you ask me, this song is no more country than her “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It).”

The Dixie Chicks came to her defense, and the band performed “Daddy Lessons” alongside Bey at the November 2016 Country Music Awards. The performance impressed many but also angered country fans who felt the dominant superstar simply didn’t belong within the musical realm. Despite the backlash, Bey has chosen to revisit the genre, and other Black women within the genre are excited about what she has to bring. 

Rissi Palmer, a country music singer who is one of few Black women to appear on country music charts, praised Beyonce’s decision to enter the genre. 

“We’re here and have been throughout the entire history of this music. Country music is having a moment. But more importantly, Black country music is having a moment,” she told CNN. 

K. Michelle also expressed her support for Beyonce entering country music, which she has been able to crossover into. 

“I’m just happy to be spoke about in my genre. I love Bey and will be supporting her like I always do,” the singer tweeted on February 12.

Why would anyone need to check on me. I’m one of the greatest African American country singers of all times with no album even out. Yall been mentioning me ALL night. I’m just happy to be spoke about in my genre. I love Bey and will be supporting her like i always do❤️❤️ https://t.co/JbKMGd2366

— K. Michelle (@kmichelle) February 12, 2024

While it remains to be seen just how far Bey is going to take her new musical journey, she certainly has the support of her peers and supporters. “Texas Hold ‘Em” debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Billboard’s Hot Country Songs, becoming the first Black woman to achieve such a feat. Therefore, Bey has claimed her rightful place in country music, whether the critics like it or not.