Ahead of the 2024 Country Music Awards that took place last night (Nov. 20), country legend Billy Ray Cyrus voiced his support for Beyoncé—although her Country Carter album was shut out of nominations.
Beyoncé, who made history earlier this year as the first Black woman to top Billboard’s Country Albums chart, has already made it clear that her album wasn’t created for awards. However, that hasn’t stopped her musical peers and fans from standing 10-toes down about Cowboy Carter being snubbed.
Cyrus took to Instagram to share his thoughts on Bey’s shutout, saying he was “surprised” that her groundbreaking Cowboy Carter project didn’t earn a single nomination. “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. He then took a subtle dig at the CMA’s history, adding, “@lilnasx and I won this award in 2019 for Event of the Year… but you wouldn’t have seen it because they didn’t air it in the show.”
Instagram/billyraycyrus screenshot
The “Achy Breaky Heart” artist further added, “I was surprised to see @beyonce wasn’t nominated??? Her album was brilliant… her single ruled. But she knows that. She doesn’t need a trophy from the CMA… or permission… or approval from any of their judges.”
Cowboy Carter dropped in March, and it wasn’t just a moment—it was a movement. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, genre-bending country and pop with the Hot 100 chart-topping “Texas Hold ’Em” and other singles like “II Most Wanted” and “Jolene.”
However, this isn’t the first time Beyoncé’s relationship with country music has caused a stir. Back in 2016, the 32-time Grammy winner graced the CMA Awards stage alongside The Chicks to perform “Daddy Lessons” — a standout from her Lemonade album. While the performance was a hit with many fans, it also sparked heated debates about her place in the genre and the racial barriers still apparent in country music.
And in 2024? It seems that some things haven’t changed. Fans quickly co-signed Cyrus’ sentiments online, with one user commenting, “Country music can’t evolve if it keeps gatekeeping artists who are pushing boundaries.” Another person wrote, “Beyoncé doesn’t need the CMA, but the CMA needs Beyoncé.”
As Cyrus boldly put it: “She doesn’t need their approval,” and judging by Cowboy Carter’s success, he’s absolutely right.
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