The Beyhive is buzzing after the Country Music Association released its nominations for this year’s awards show. Beyoncé apparently received zero recognition from the entity for her hit album, ‘Cowboy Carter,’ which shook up the country music scene earlier this year.
Here’s What’s Going On With Beyoncé & The CMA Awards
Note that Beyoncé wasn’t the only outsider or newcomer to country music this year, but she was snubbed of any nominations. There’s Post Malone, who snagged four nominations for his song ‘I Had Some Help.’ Shaboozey also earned two nominations for his song ‘A Bar Song (Tipsy).’ Both artists were featured on Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter.’ Malone showed out on the song ‘Levii’s Jeans,’ while Shaboozey did his thing on ‘Spaghettii’ and ‘Sweet Honey Buckiin.’
Shaboozey reacted to his double nomination in an X (formerly Twitter) post, saying it’s an “honor.” In a follow-up post, he directly thanked Beyoncé for spotlighting Black country artists and creating “one of the most innovative country albums of all time.”
Shaboozey is one of three Black artists, including the duo War and Treaty, to be recognized by this year’s Country Music Awards. Meanwhile, for the third year in a row, Country Music Association members nominated Morgan Wallen for Entertainer of the Year, per the Associated Press.
The same outlet notes that ‘Cowboy Carter’s release fell within the eligibility window for the Country Music Awards. So, it’s unclear why it did not receive any nods. According to AP, members of the CMA, including music executives, artists, publicists, and songwriters, are in charge of nominations. For now, the CMA hasn’t addressed their Beyoncé’s blackout. However, their show will take place on Nov. 20.
Beyoncé Previously Said ‘Cowboy Carter’ Wasn’t A Country Album
Beyoncé has yet to react to what her fans are calling a snub. However, the Texas native previously clarified that the project was five years in the making and said it wasn’t a country album.
“I focused on this album as a continuation of RENAISSANCE…I hope this music is an experience, creating another journey where you can close your eyes, start from the beginning and never stop. This ain’t a Country album. This is a “Beyoncé” album. This is ‘Act ii: COWBOY CARTER,’ and I am proud to share it with y’all,” the singer wrote on Instagram 10 days before the album’s release.
Still, the genre’s influence on the body of work is undeniable. In April, the project secured the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Country Albums chart, making Beyoncé the first Black woman to achieve the feat since tracking began in 1964. Furthermore, Cowboy Carter’s single, ‘Texas Hold ‘Em,’ snagged the No. 1 spot on Hot Country Songs. Additionally, Bey also went No. 1 in the all-genres Billboard 200, per the Associated Press.
Ahead of ‘Cowboy Carter’s release, Beyoncé also hinted the project was inspired by a wave of racist reactions she got to her performance at the Country Music Awards in 2016. At the time, she took the stage with the Dixie Chicks.
“The criticisms I faced when I first entered this genre forced me to propel past the limitations that were put on me. act ii is a result of challenging myself, and taking my time to bend and blend genres together to create this body of work,” Bey said in April.
Here’s What Bey Has Been Up To
Prior to the CMA debacle, Bey was already trending on social media. This past weekend, she went viral after popping out for her former assistant Sam Greenberg’s wedding in Nantucket. According to PEOPLE, she attended the private event on Sept. 7 alongside her husband, Jay-Z, and daughter Blue Ivy.
Pictures and videos of Bey and her family at the wedding are circulating online. One video shows her tearing up the dance floor with Sam while the singer’s bodyguard, Julius, stands nearby.
Additionally, in a new upload promoting her brand Cécred, Beyoncé flexed her blonde inches and explained her wash day routine. The footage shows the singer in a more relaxed and silly mood.
Meanwhile, her hubby Jay-Z is catching some heat online after Kendrick Lamar revealed himself as the headliner for the upcoming Super Bowl Halftime Show. Since it’s set to happen in New Orleans, fans and celebrities have begun to advocate for NOLA native Lil Wayne to be involved.