The BeyHive is stinging after learning Beyoncé was snubbed when this year’s CMA nominations were revealed.
“Cowboy Carter” was unveiled in March, and it held the number-one spot on the Billboard’s Top Country Albums Chart for four weeks. The lead single, “Texas Hold ‘Em,” also secured the highest place on the Hot Country Songs Chart for ten weeks, a first for a Black woman. Despite its success, the certified gold album was not awarded a single honor by the Country Music Association.
The Country Music Association is responsible for choosing the nominees. This organization is constructed of country music professionals who didn’t see Bey’s deep dive into the genre as worthy enough for the prestigious award. The move is a staunch reminder of her now-infamous 2016 CMA performance with the Chicks, which helped inspire “Cowboy Carter.” If you recall, Beyoncé was the subject of harsh criticism by country fans and musicians for the “Daddy Lessons” performance. When introducing her album, Bey hinted that this incident motivated her.
“This album has been over five years in the making. It 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. But, because of that experience, I did a deeper dive into the history of Country music and studied our rich musical archive,” Bey wrote in an Instagram announcement.
Now, her lack of nominations at the CMAs is another reminder that the organization is not entirely ready to welcome her with open arms. Thankfully, her loyal fans still have her back.
