The American singer, who released a country album in March to popular and critical acclaim, was not nominated in any category of the Country Music Awards.
Beyoncé is still not welcome at the Country Music Awards. The announcement of the nominations on Monday, September 9 caused a stir due to the absence of her latest album, Cowboy Carter, released on March 29, with the country tone claimed by the world queen of R’n’B and her hit Texas Hold ‘Em.
In 2016, “Queen Bey” was the victim of racism after performing her country song Daddy Lessons at the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, an experience that largely inspired the writing of Cowboy Carter. « The criticism that came my way when I first got into (country music) forced me to push myself beyond my own limits. »she wrote on Instagram. This album « is the result of the challenges I set myself and the time I took to twist and mix genres for this work. ».
Born in Houston to a mother from Louisiana and a father from Alabama, Beyoncé, 43, became the first black singer to have a song top the country charts in late February, even before the album was released. She could have become the first black woman nominated for best album at the country music awards, which will be presented on November 20 in Nashville.
A country album with undeniable success
« The fact that she was snubbed is not really surprising. »writes the New York Times, given the little space given to the album by country radios. « Those who want to hear his music and his message have listened to him. When it comes to the Country Music Association, the volume will never be loud enough to restore hearing to those who turn a deaf ear. »the magazine rages for its part Rolling Stone .
In addition to being a phenomenal success, the album reignited debates about the place of African-Americans in the history of country music, from which they had been largely ousted, the genre being rather associated with white and conservative musicians. « Thank you Beyoncé for opening a door for us and starting the conversation, and for giving us one of the most innovative country albums of all time. »wrote on X Monday the African-American singer Shaboozey, who collaborated with Beyoncé on her album.
At the Country Music Awards, he was nominated in the categories of new artist and single of the year for A Bar Song (Tipsy) who had replaced Texas Hold ‘Em at the top of the charts.
Next up for Beyoncé is the announcement of the Grammy nominations on November 8, where she holds the record for most awards given to an artist, with 32. But she has never won the best album award.