Beyoncé says criticism of 2016 CMAs performance inspired ‘Cowboy Carter’ album: ‘I did not feel welcomed’
Beyoncé revealed that the backlash she faced after her 2016 CMA performance with The Chicks inspired her to create her upcoming country album, "Cowboy Carter."
“This album has been in the making for over five years,” she shared on Instagram Tuesday alongside the cover art for her new project. “It was born from an experience where I didn’t feel welcomed...and it was very clear.”
The "Drunk in Love" artist, 42, explained that this experience prompted her to explore the history of country music in depth. “It's empowering to witness how music can bring people together globally while also highlighting voices that have dedicated themselves to educating about our musical heritage,” she added.
“The criticisms I faced upon entering this genre pushed me to break through limitations. Act II is a result of my self-challenge, blending genres to create this body of work.”
In 2016, Beyoncé performed her hit “Daddy Lessons” with The Chicks, formerly the Dixie Chicks, composed of lead singer Natalie Maines and sisters Martie Maguire and Emily Strayer. The trio faced backlash for their public comments criticizing then-President George W. Bush and the Iraq War in 2003, leading to their blacklisting from the country music scene.
Though Beyoncé hasn’t detailed how she felt unwelcome post-performance, The Chicks recounted feeling uncomfortable backstage during the awards show. “They treated us very weird backstage,” Maines, 49, shared with the New York Times in July 2020, describing the treatment of Beyoncé as “disgusting.”
Following the CMAs, Beyoncé faced racist remarks, and videos of the performance were removed from the internet. TMZ reported that CMA executives were “concerned about the reaction to Beyoncé’s support and the Dixie Chicks’ support for the Black Lives Matter movement.”
Despite the challenges, Beyoncé is moving forward with Act II of her journey after her No. 1 album “Renaissance” from July 2022.
She teased surprises on “Cowboy Carter,” including collaborations with artists she admires. “I hope you can feel my heart and soul, the love, and passion I poured into every detail and sound,” she wrote.
Describing “Cowboy Carter” as not just a country album but a “Beyoncé album,” it arrives on streaming platforms on March 29, featuring singles like “16 Carriages” and “Texas Hold ‘Em.”
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