The nominations for the Country Music Awards were announced on Monday, and one superstar was conspicuously missing from the list: Beyoncé.
The singer released her first full country project, “Cowboy Carter,” in March.
Fans expressed disappointment at Monday’s rejection and criticized the CMAs for excluding Beyoncé, who had said she did not feel welcome in the country genre.
A spokesperson for Beyoncé did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Beyoncé shared on Instagram earlier this year that the album “came out of an experience I had years ago when I didn’t feel welcome.” Beyoncé said her experience motivated her to “dig deeper into country music.”
“The criticism I faced when I first came into contact with this genre forced me to overcome the limitations imposed on me,” she wrote in her Instagram post.
Many fans speculated that she was referring to the backlash she received after performing her song “Daddy Lessons” at the 2016 CMAs with country group The Chicks.
Some fans were surprised that “Texas Hold ‘Em,” the first single from Cowboy Carter, was not included. The song became the first by a black female artist to top Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart following its release in February.
“Cowboy Carter” is considered a tribute to the contributions of black musicians to country music. Many saw the album as a revival of country, which was often perceived as a genre for white men. Black artists hoped that the album would bring more attention and recognition to black country music.
Beyoncé has collaborated with black country musicians such as pioneer Linda Martell and rising stars Brittney Spencer, Reyna Roberts, Tiera Kennedy, Tanner Adell and Shaboozey.
Shaboozey, who appeared on two tracks from “Cowboy Carter,” received two nominations at this year’s CMAs. His song “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” was nominated for Single of the Year and he was nominated for New Artist of the Year.
Shaboozey went to X on Monday to celebrate his nominations and praise Beyoncé.
“Thank you @Beyonce for opening a door, starting a conversation, and giving us one of the most innovative country albums of all time!” Shaboozey posted.
Morgan Wallen led the nominations on Monday, earning eight nominations. His collaboration with Post Malone, “I Had Some Help,” was recently named Billboard’s Song of the Summer based on its chart performance.
Post Malone, who also released his first country album this year and collaborated with Beyoncé on “Cowboy Carter,” received four nominations for “I Had Some Help.”
