A Country Crown for Beyoncé: Why the Outrage Says More About You Than Her

Beyoncé has done it again. Named Top Female Country Artist at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards

Country, are you ready for a fresh bolt of energy in a struggling industry? Yup, she shattered yet another ceiling, becoming the first Black woman to win in this category. And, predictably, the outrage came flooding in. Some people are so mad their keyboards are probably melting as they type about how this win is disrespectful and a snub to “true” country artists.

Others lament,

“Imagine growing up singing country your whole life, only for Beyoncé to come in and disrupt the industry.”

Let’s pause right there.

You’re angry that a Texas-born, genre-bending artist, whose talent has been acknowledged across all corners of music—including the country world—is being recognized for her contributions?

Let’s address the real issue here: you’re gatekeeping a genre that never belonged to you. The irony? Country music has its roots in African American culture, with influences from spirituals, blues, and folk—genres deeply embedded in the Black experience.

So, if you want to gatekeep, maybe take a seat and read a history book. Here’s one to start with: https://theculturereset.com/how-can-you-gatekeep-a-genre-of-music-you-didnt-create/.

Let’s Talk About Beyoncé and Country

Beyoncé didn’t just stroll into country music on a whim. Daddy Lessons from her 2016 Lemonade album brought the country world to its feet, earning her performances with the Dixie Chicks (now The Chicks) and praise from industry icons.

She’s been blending genres her entire career, embodying what country is about—storytelling, soul, and truth. Beyoncé is country, and her Texas roots make that undeniable. She’s been doing this long before some of y’all even knew what a Beyoncé was.

The Blonde Hair and “Cultural Appropriation” Argument

Oh, and for those of you clutching your pearls over her blonde hair, let’s clear that up too. Black people and people of color can naturally have blonde hair—just ask the Melanesians, or even look at some African-descended individuals.

Blonde hair isn’t a “white-only” feature. This argument is tired and just another way for you to move the goalposts. Try again

Meanwhile, Your Faves…

Isn’t it funny how some of y’all are so loud about Beyoncé, but quiet when it comes to your faves who don’t even write their own songs? Let me help you out:

Garth Brooks didn’t write The Dance or Friends in Low Places.
George Strait? Amarillo By Morning wasn’t his work either.
Reba McEntire? Fancy was someone else’s masterpiece.
Shania Twain? A lot of her early hits came from Mutt Lange.
Keith Urban? He’s from outside the U.S. and started in pop and rock, but y’all welcomed him with open arms.
Tim McGraw? Live Like You Were Dying wasn’t his work.
Faith Hill? Breathe and This Kiss were someone else’s creations.
Carrie Underwood? Before He Cheats wasn’t her pen game.
Blake Shelton? God’s Country came from Nashville’s songwriting elite.
Luke Bryan? Most of those feel-good anthems were written by others.
Jason Aldean? Dirt Road Anthem was written by someone else.
Miranda Lambert? She’s talented, but The House That Built Me wasn’t hers.
Kenny Chesney? Many of his chart-toppers were handed to him.
Rascal Flatts? Bless the Broken Road was written before they recorded it.
Florida Georgia Line? Their breakout hit Cruise was co-written by others.

You’re fine celebrating these artists, who don’t fit the “country mold” either (Shania Twain and Keith Urban), but Beyoncé’s recognition sends you into a tailspin? Maybe it’s time to admit that this isn’t about music—it’s about Beyoncé not fitting your idea of what country “should” look or sound like.

Here’s a list of white country singers who are not American-born or who started their careers in other genres before finding success in country music:

Not American-Born:

Shania Twain
- Born in Ontario, Canada.
- Initially pursued pop and rock before becoming one of the biggest names in country music.
Keith Urban
- Born in Whangarei, New Zealand, and raised in Australia.
- Started his career blending pop and rock influences before becoming a country superstar.
Anne Murray
- Born in Nova Scotia, Canada.
- Known for her soft rock and pop hits but also released successful country albums.
Olivia Newton-John
- Born in Cambridge, England, and raised in Australia.
- Initially known for pop and soft rock hits (Grease, anyone?) before venturing into country with hits like Let Me Be There.
Kasey Chambers
- Born in Mount Gambier, South Australia.
- Known for blending country with folk and rock influences.

Sang Other Genres First:

Darius Rucker
- Initially rose to fame as the lead singer of Hootie & the Blowfish (a pop-rock band).
- Later transitioned into country music with great success.
Taylor Swift
- Started as a country artist but transitioned into pop, and some may argue she blurred the line between genres even early in her career.
Aaron Lewis
- Former lead singer of the rock band Staind.
- Transitioned into country music later in his career.
Bret Michaels
- Known as the lead singer of the glam rock band Poison.
- Has also dabbled in country music with some crossover songs.
Shelby Lynne
- Initially leaned toward pop and adult contemporary before turning to a more country-centric sound.
Kenny Rogers
- Known for his country hits, but his early career focused on jazz and pop with the group The First Edition.

Why This Matters

These artists show that country music has long been a genre open to influences from other styles and cultures. If these artists could be celebrated for their transitions and contributions, why not Beyoncé? Music is about storytelling and evolution, not gatekeeping. ✨

Country Music Has 27 Subgenres

Before you throw another tantrum, take a moment to educate yourself. Country music has 27 subgenres, from outlaw to bluegrass to country-pop, and yes, Beyoncé’s music fits comfortably within those lines. Music evolves. Genres blend. Beyoncé winning this award isn’t a disruption—it’s a reflection of how vast and diverse country music truly is.

So, while you’re busy gatekeeping, Beyoncé is making history. And she’s doing it in style.

Bless your gatekeeping hearts.

Sources & References
#CountryMusicHistory
#TheCultureReset
#27CountrySubgenres
#DaddyLessonsPerformance
#BlackCountryMusicOrigins

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