British singer Lily Allen criticized Beyoncé for her switch to country music, labeling it as “calculated” and suggesting that it was part of a campaign to boost her album. Allen also questioned Beyoncé’s decision to cover Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” and called out the singer for picking the biggest song in the genre when attempting to tackle a new genre. Beyoncé’s fanbase, the Beyhive, rushed to her defense, with many accusing Allen of being jealous and privileged for her comments. Despite the criticism, Beatles’ icon Sir Paul McCartney praised Beyoncé’s cover of his song “Blackbird,” commending her for reinforcing the civil rights message behind the track.
While McCartney expressed his support for Beyoncé’s country music endeavors, some in the country music industry have been resistant to her foray into the genre. Country music fans and radio stations have reportedly ignored fan requests to play Beyoncé’s songs on air. Dukes of Hazzard actor John Schneider also faced accusations of racism for likening Beyoncé’s move to a dog marking its territory during an interview. The issue of Black artists entering the country music scene has sparked controversy, despite the fact that rhythm & blues, created by Black musicians, has influenced the genre.
In response to the backlash and resistance from the country music industry, Beyoncé addressed the audience at the iHeartRadio Music Awards, calling on record labels, radio stations, and awards shows to be more open to enjoying art without preconceived notions. The singer emphasized the importance of embracing different genres and styles of music and urged the industry to become more inclusive and supportive of artists exploring new avenues. Beyoncé’s statement reflected a desire for greater diversity and acceptance within the music industry, encouraging a more open-minded approach to appreciating and celebrating art.
