Beyonce Earns 12 People’s Choice Country Nominations After Album Backlash

Beyonce earned 12 nominations for the upcoming 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards.

Her latest album, Cowboy Carter, has propelled her to the top of this year’s nominations, tying with country singer Zach Bryan.

The Crazy In Love star, 42, received two nominations for Female Song of the Year for her singles 16 Carriages and Texas Hold ‘Em.

Additionally, she earned two nominations in the Cover Song category for her versions of the Beatles’ Blackbird and Dolly Parton’s Jolene.

She’s up against Dolly Parton and Kacey Musgraves in the Female Artist category.

She’s also nominated in the coveted People’s Artist and Social Country Star categories.

Texas Hold ‘Em is up for Song of the Year, BLACKBIIRD is nominated for Collaboration Song of the Year, her Miley Cyrus duet II Most Wanted is up for Crossover Song of the Year, and 16 Carriages is nominated for Storyteller Song of the Year.

Beyonce’s achievement comes despite criticism over her transition into country music.

Prior to the album’s release in March, a source told DailyMail.com that the superstar ‘doesn’t care’ about the reaction of those who want her to stay in a ‘narrow lane.’

The insider said Beyonce will not be swayed by negative reactions, as she aims to shine a ‘spotlight on the contributions African-Americans made to the genre.’

‘She knows there will be pushback by those who want her to stay in a narrow lane, but she doesn’t care,’ the source told DailyMail.com.

‘In fact, it has made her more daring. By the time the summer is over, her detractors will know the difference between yee and haw.’

She faced harsh criticism from Azealia Banks less than 24 hours after announcing the album during the Super Bowl. The rapper called her foray into country music ‘narcissistic.’

‘You’re setting yourself up to be ridiculed again,’ Banks wrote on Instagram. ‘There’s a theatrical element to country music! Critics are not just going to accept a wig and bullying from Jay-Z! It’s giving musical grift.’

‘Yes, Black girls can make country music…but you’re just not hitting the button. Beyoncé please stop the madness. The gay baiting, the overtly narcissistic attempts to lazily encroach into a genre *you think* your popularity is gonna gain accolades for you in…You’re looking like food sis.’

This is not the first time Texas-born Beyoncé has highlighted her Southern music roots after delighting fans with her 2016 track, Daddy Lessons.

Music lovers immediately praised the twangy track when it featured on her critically-acclaimed album, Lemonade.

She gave a dazzling live performance of the single at the 50th Country Music Association Awards in 2016, alongside legendary country band, The Chicks.

The source added: ‘Bey was given the motivation to make a country record after seeing how many of her fans loved her single Daddy Lessons and her performance at the CMAs.’

Beyoncé submitted Daddy Lessons for the country category at the 2016 Grammy Awards, but it was rejected by the Recording Academy’s country music committee.

If the song had made it through, it would have been eligible for honors such as Best Country Song and Country Solo Performance.

On Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé took the opportunity to highlight the African-American roots of country music with her new project.

‘She wanted to use her platform to spotlight the contributions African-Americans have made to genres they have been shut out of,’ the insider added.

‘She spent months writing and researching.’

Hosted by Shania Twain, the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards will be broadcast live from Nashville, Tennessee, on September 26.

‘Country has some of the most passionate fans in music, and us artists are so lucky to be supported in doing what we love,’ Twain said in a statement.

She added: ‘I am honored to host an award show that celebrates these awesome fans.

‘Get ready for an unforgettable show with lots of big hair, glamour, rhinestones, hats, boots, and incredible performances. Giddy up!’

Source: Daily Mail, DailyMail.com