Country music is always evolving, but there are a few standout artists who have the genre in their veins. These artists aren’t just top sellers; they embody the spirit of country music.

When Beyoncé ventured into country music, her loyal fans followed. Her country hit, Texas Hold ’em, resonated well, yet it didn’t secure her a spot at the Country Music Awards (CMA).

Despite having one of the largest country music hits of the year, Beyoncé did not receive a single nomination. This upset many of her fans, who believed she deserved recognition and hoped she would be the first Black woman nominated for Album of the Year.

Inspired by her experience at the 2016 CMA, Beyoncé created the album Cowboy Carter. Her 2016 performance of Daddy Lessons with The Chicks was met with criticism.

Although she didn’t win any awards, her impact on country music is undeniable. Beyoncé’s song topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for ten consecutive weeks, becoming the second-longest to achieve such a feat in the year.

She made history as the first Black woman to top the country charts as a solo artist. Yet, she received no nominations at the CMA.

Friends and media outlets voiced their opinions, feeling Beyoncé was snubbed due to her unforgettable 2016 performance. Some critics argued that having a country album doesn’t necessarily make one a country artist.

Reflecting on the album, Beyoncé shared that it was “born out of an experience that I had years ago where I did not feel welcomed… and it was very clear that I wasn’t.”

There were numerous discussions about reasons behind her snub, stirring both fans and observers. While the 2024 CMA is behind us, it will be interesting to see what 2025 brings.