Luke Bryan Weighs In On Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” CMA Snub

The 2024 CMA Awards are quickly approaching, and one of the most talked-about topics that seems to have country fans buzzing is Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” album, receiving zero nominations. While the album featured chart-topping hits such as “Texas Hold ‘Em,” Queen Bey found herself sitting out on the sidelines on the genre’s biggest night. As a result, social media users and other celebrities have spoken out about the album’s zero nominations, sparking debates from many individuals.

However, the awards’ co-host, country artist Luke Bryan, also chimed in to give his opinion on the situation while appearing on Andy Cohen Live. During the candid conversation, Bryan was put on the spot when Cohen asked his thoughts on Beyoncé not being included in any of the categories.

“It’s a tricky question because, obviously, Beyoncé made a country album, and Beyoncé has a lot of fans out there that have her back,” Bryan said. “If she doesn’t get something they want, man, they come at you — as fans should do.”

He continued, “I’m all for everybody coming in and making country albums and all that. I don’t know how many albums did [Beyoncé] sell. You know, I know she had one song. But just by declaring that, just because she made one … I don’t need [a nomination], just ’cause I make one.”

Additionally, Bryan shared his theory on why he believes the Country Music Association voting committee chose to exclude ‘Cowboy Carter’ from the lineup.

“Everybody loved that Beyoncé made a country album,” he added. “Nobody’s mad about it. But where things get a little tricky and, and you know — if you’re gonna make country albums, come into our world and be country with us a little bit. Beyoncé can do it exactly what she wants to. She’s probably the biggest star in music. But come to an award show and high-five us, and have fun and get in the family too. And I’m not saying she didn’t do that.”

Beyoncé first received criticism at the 2016 CMA Awards when she performed “Daddy Lessons” with The Chicks. Almost immediately, Queen Bey was met with some negativity as some people believed that she did not fit the country music appeal. While speaking in an interview, The Chicks shared that they experienced a “weird vibe” in the building during their performance.