Beyonce’s country album Grammys win branded ‘slap in the face’ as explosive row erupts over ‘disgraceful’ decision
Beyoncé has sparked controversy after she made history at the Grammy Awards, becoming the first Black female artist to win Best Country Album for Cowboy Carter.
The groundbreaking win came as the superstar collected the prestigious award at the ceremony in Los Angeles.
The achievement adds to Beyoncé’s remarkable Grammy legacy, with the country album victory marking another milestone in her boundary-crossing career.
The win was announced at the Crypto.com Arena where the 2025 Grammy Awards took place with Taylor Swift the star tasked with presenting the award.
Cowboy Carter emerged triumphant in a category that has traditionally been dominated by white artists, marking a significant moment in Grammy history.
In her acceptance speech, Beyoncé expressed surprise at the win, telling the audience: “I was not expecting this.”
Beyoncé wins Best Country Album at the 2025 #Grammys for her album #CowboyCarter pic.twitter.com/JW4UB9eZh6
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) February 3, 2025
The singer paid tribute to those who supported the album’s creation, saying: “I want to thank God that I’m able to still do what I love after so many years.”
She addressed the issue of musical boundaries, stating: “I think sometimes genre is a cold word to keep us in our place as artists, and just want to encourage people to do what they’re passionate about.”
The emotional speech concluded with gratitude to her collaborators: “I’d like to thank my beautiful family, all of the artists that were collaborators. Thank you. This wouldn’t have been this album without you, like to thank God again and my fans and I still am in shock.”
Swift also reflected on her own bond with the genre and award as she said: “It’s an honour that has gone to great artists who I admire so much.”
She paid tribute to country music legends, noting past winners including “the chicks, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, George Strait, Faith Hill, Vince Gill, Allison Krause and Shania Twain.”
While Swift was all smiles to hand over the award, Beyoncé’s win soon sparked a fierce debate on social media with country music fans less than convinced it should’ve won the major gong.
In fact, some went as far as to brand the entire voting process a “joke” and “slap in the face” to other nominees.
On X, one viewer raged: “No, Beyoncé does not deserve to win a Grammy for Best Country Album. Cowboy Carter is not an authentic Country Music Album. The Grammys are a complete and total joke.”
“I’m sorry but Beyoncé winning country album of the year is a joke,” a second agreed before a third weighed in: “Beyoncé winning a Grammy for Best Country Album is a ridiculous slap in the face to all the actual country artists. What an absolute joke #GRAMMYs.”
The criticism kept on coming from a fourth who fumed: “Beyoncé winning COUNTRY ALBUM OF THE YEAR? What a f***ing JOKE omg I’m sick of everything being rigged. Justice for the real country singers this Grammy should’ve gone to Miss Lainey f***in WILSON!!!!!”
Others were more diplomatic as they weighed in: “Beyonce is insanely talented, her transition to country music was insane and the music was good. Giving her album the Country Album of the Year award is basically a joke and an insult to the awards. This isnt a come back player of the year award, what are we doing?”
However, some fans were left overjoyed with the award win, with one arguing: “I’m shedding real tears. BEYONCÉ, I’m so happy for you!!! The first black artists in history to EVER win Best Country Album!!!!! Bey is always and forever re shaping the culture!” (sic)
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Congrats Best Country Album winner – ‘COWBOY CARTER’ @beyonce. #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/vYZF6vmhrz
— Recording Academy / GRAMMYs (@RecordingAcad) February 3, 2025
Beyoncé led the night’s nominations with 11 nods, including four in the country division.
Her country nominations included best country song for Texas Hold ‘Em, best country solo performance for 16 Carriages, and best country duo-group performance.
Beyoncé joins an elite group of powerhouse women nominated in all three top Grammy categories this year – record, song and album of the year – alongside Swift, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter.