Beyoncé’s country album, “Cowboy Carter,” has been overlooked by the Country Music Awards (CMAs), despite its commercial success and critical acclaim.
The album, which reached the top of the country music charts and earned Beyoncé multiple nominations for the People’s Choice Country Awards, was not included in the CMA’s album of the year shortlist. This snub has sparked controversy, especially given Beyoncé’s previous experience with discrimination in the country music industry.
In 2016, Beyoncé’s performance at the CMAs with The Chicks faced racist backlash, leading to criticism of the industry’s treatment of Black artists. This experience inspired her to create “Cowboy Carter,” which explores the history of country music and highlights the contributions of Black musicians.
The CMAs have not publicly explained their decision to exclude “Cowboy Carter” from the nominations. However, their judging criteria emphasize factors such as artist performance, musical background, and album production.
Despite Beyoncé’s absence, other notable artists like Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, and Chris Stapleton received multiple nominations. The winners will be announced at the CMA Awards ceremony on November 20.
Key Nominations:
- Entertainer of the Year: Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson
- Single of the Year: A Bar Song (Tipsy) – Shaboozey, Dirt Cheap – Cody Johnson, I Had Some Help – Post Malone (Feat. Morgan Wallen), Watermelon Moonshine – Lainey Wilson, White Horse – Chris Stapleton
- Album of the Year: Deeper Well – Kacey Musgraves, Fathers & Sons – Luke Combs, Higher – Chris Stapleton, Leather – Cody Johnson, Whitsitt Chapel – Jelly Roll
- Song of the Year: Burn It Down – Parker McCollum, Dirt Cheap – Cody Johnson, I Had Some Help – Post Malone (Feat. Morgan Wallen), The Painter – Cody Johnson, White Horse – Chris Stapleton
- Female Vocalist of the Year: Kelsea Ballerini, Ashley McBryde, Megan Moroney, Kacey Musgraves, Lainey Wilson
- Male Vocalist of the Year: Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen
- Vocal Group of the Year: Lady A, Little Big Town, Old Dominion, The Red Clay Strays, Zac Brown Band
- New Artist of the Year: Megan Moroney, Shaboozey, Nate Smith, Mitchell Tenpenny, Zach Top, Bailey Zimmerman