Beyoncé shared on Instagram that the criticism she faced after her 2016 CMA performance with The Chicks inspired her to create her new country album, “Cowboy Carter.” She described the album as five years in the making, born out of an experience where she did not feel welcomed and was made clear that she wasn’t. This experience led her to do a deeper dive into the history of country music, which ultimately influenced the creation of the album.
The singer emphasized the power of music in uniting people worldwide and amplifying voices in the industry. Beyoncé shared that the criticism she faced initially when entering the country genre pushed her beyond limitations, leading her to challenge herself and blend genres to create her latest body of work, Act II. The album is a continuation of her previous work, “Renaissance,” released in July 2022, and features collaborations with other artists she respects.
In 2016, Beyoncé performed “Daddy Lessons” with The Chicks, who were previously known as the Dixie Chicks. The trio had been blacklisted from the country music world after making comments disapproving of then-President George W. Bush and the Iraq War in 2003. The Chicks also revealed that they were treated oddly backstage during the awards show, with lead singer Natalie Maines expressing dismay at how Beyoncé was treated following their performance.
After the CMA performance, Beyoncé faced racist comments from fans, and the video of the performance was removed from the internet. It was reported that CMA executives were concerned about the backlash Beyoncé received for supporting the Black Lives Matter movement, along with The Chicks. Despite this, Beyoncé is moving forward with Act II of her music era, introducing “Cowboy Carter” as her next project, set to be released on March 29.
Beyoncé teased that “Cowboy Carter” will feature a few surprises and collaborations with brilliant artists she admires. She hopes the album will reflect the love and passion she poured into every detail and sound, creating an experience for listeners to embark on a journey. While the album is not exclusively a country album, Beyoncé described it as a Beyoncé album that continues the narrative she began with “Renaissance.”
In conclusion, Beyoncé’s upcoming album, “Cowboy Carter,” is a culmination of her experiences and challenges in the country genre, inspired by the criticisms she faced after her 2016 CMA performance. The album is a testament to her resilience and creativity, blending genres and pushing boundaries to create a unique musical experience for her audience..Collectors and fans alike can look forward to experiencing Beyoncé’s latest project and the stories it will tell.
