GRAMMYs: Beyoncé Wins Best Country Album Award For Cowboy Carter

Beyoncé has once again shattered barriers, making history at the Grammys by winning Best Country Album for her genre-defying project, Cowboy Carter. This monumental achievement marks the first time in over 50 years that a Black woman has won in a country category.

Beyoncé, Blue Ivy/Recording Academy

Released on March 29, 2024, Cowboy Carter is Beyoncé’s eighth studio album and the second chapter of a planned trilogy, following 2022’s Renaissance. Blending an eclectic mix of Southern sub-genres—including country, Americana, zydeco, rock and roll, folk, R&B, pop, psychedelic soul, hip-hop, and bluegrass—Beyoncé crafts a sonic experience that transcends traditional boundaries. Her collaboration with industry legends such as Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, and Miley Cyrus further amplifies the album’s impact. Additionally, the music icon showcased rising Black country artists like Shaboozey, Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy, Reyna Roberts, and Willie Jones, giving them a well-deserved platform in a genre where diversity has often been overlooked.

Beyoncé/Getty Images

Upon its release, Cowboy Carter debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, marking Beyoncé’s eighth consecutive chart-topping album. In her heartfelt Grammy acceptance speech, Beyoncé reflected on the power of music to break down barriers and unify people across genres. “Genres can limit artists,” she shared. “I’m grateful to the Grammys for recognizing the work that went into this project and for seeing past the boundaries that often divide us.”