A sources close to Beyoncé reveal that the superstar singer was deeply affected after being snubbed by the 2024 CMA Awards. Despite the massive success of her country-inspired album Cowboy Carter which featured chart-topping hits like “Texas Hold ‘Em,” Beyoncé didn’t receive a single nomination, leaving her and her fans disappointed.
According to insiders, Beyoncé, who poured her heart into the project, was emotional when she learned that her crossover into country music was largely ignored by the Country Music Association. The album, which even saw her collaborate with country icon Dolly Parton on a reimagined version of Jolene was widely embraced by her fanbase but faced resistance from country radio stations. Many refused to play her tracks, claiming they weren’t “country” enough, despite the album’s success on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Country charts.
Luke Bryan, a leading figure in country music, recently addressed the snub during an interview on *SiriusXM’s Andy Cohen Live*, offering some insight into why Beyoncé might have been overlooked. “It’s a tricky question because Beyoncé has a lot of fans who support her. If she doesn’t get something they want, they come at you,” Bryan explained. He emphasized that nobody in the country music community is angry about Beyoncé’s attempt to break into the genre, but sometimes, even the best music gets overlooked. “Everybody loved that Beyoncé made a country album. Nobody’s mad about it,” Bryan added.
However, Bryan also hinted that greater involvement in the country music community could help artists like Beyoncé. He suggested that attending events like the CMA Awards could be a way for her to build stronger ties with the genre. “Come to the show, high-five us, have fun, and get in the family,” Bryan said, noting that country music is about community and family.
Dolly Parton, who worked closely with Beyoncé on *Cowboy Carter*, echoed Bryan’s sentiments, saying that the CMA snub wasn’t likely an intentional slight. “There are so many wonderful country artists who dedicate their lives to this genre,” Parton told *Variety*. “I think the CMA probably wanted to make sure they honored those who’ve been doing this their whole lives.”
While the snub clearly hit Beyoncé hard, insiders say she remains proud of her work on *Cowboy Carter* and is committed to exploring more genres in the future. Whether or not the CMAs recognized her efforts this time, Beyoncé’s foray into country music has undeniably left a mark on both the genre and her fans.
