The #BeyHive Isn’t Happy About the GRAMMYs Recent Announcement
info@hypebae.com (Hypebae) Thu, 12 Jun 2025 Hypebae
The GRAMMY Recording Academy announces the launch of two new music categories: "Best Traditional Country Album" and "Best Contemporary Country Album." The decision sparked discourse within minutes.
For those unfamiliar, in 2016, Beyoncé performed "Daddy Lessons" with the Dixie Chicks at the Country Music Awards. Her presence at the event angered many, with several celebrities remaining seated and openly expressing anger at her performance. Ironically, Netflix's Beyoncé Bowl viewership exceeded viewership for the 2024 CMAs, where many believed she was snubbed.
As a result, when the pop icon released Cowboy Carter, she openly discussed that she knew she wouldn't receive an award. However, the #Beyhive wasn't going to let that happen and encouraged the Academy to consider wisely. To her surprise, Beyoncé won the "Best Country Album" award.
On June 12, 2025, the Academy announced that the 2026 GRAMMY Award ceremony would reflect two new country categories: "Best Traditional Country Album" and "Best Contemporary Country Album." Fans believe the recent decision appears to be another case of "moving the goal post," as many Twitter users have shared.
As many know, Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter wasn't just an album -- it birthed a movement. From bringing country icons out of hiding to encouraging Western fashion's resurgence, the Houston native is responsible for reconnecting many with the roots of country. So, when the GRAMMY board announced that they were launching a new country category after Beyoncé previously called out the industry's lack of acceptance for her, fans were not happy.
View fan discourse below.
Beyoncé’s win for Best Country album and Album of the Year wasn’t neutral. It was one of the most political moments to happen in national television history. What I’d be curious to see if both categories for country album are aired on TV. If only the traditional one is, watch https://t.co/RtCOpjPJSy
— Someone’s Bouquet (@FlexRFlex) June 12, 2025
What a way of saying “Best Country album by a white artist”
Beyoncé, the disruptor that you are.
Every genre Beyoncé touches, will never be the same
