Beyoncé has been notably absent from the Country Music Awards nominations this year, despite her hit “Texas Hold ‘Em.”
When the nominees were announced on Monday, Beyoncé did not receive any recognition, surprising many who expected her to be considered for her album Cowboy Carter.
Fans had hoped she might become the first Black woman nominated for Album of the Year.
In a surprising twist, Morgan Wallen, who has faced significant controversy, leads this year’s nominations.
Wallen was suspended by his record label three years ago for using a racial slur but has since apologized and resumed his career.
His album One Thing At A Time was a major success last year and earned an Album of the Year nomination.
This year, Wallen has secured four nominations, including one for his feature on Post Malone’s “I Had Some Help,” a crossover into country music.
Shaboozey, who is featured on Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, received two nominations: Best New Artist and Single of the Year for “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”
Shaboozey made history in April when his single replaced Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em” at the top of the US country charts, becoming the first Black male artist to top both the country and Billboard Hot 100 charts consecutively.
Beyoncé has suggested that her past experiences with the CMAs influenced her decision to create a country album.
Her 2016 performance of “Daddy Lessons” with The Chicks faced backlash and racism, leading her to explore country music further.
The CMA has not commented on the omission of Cowboy Carter.
The Album of the Year nominees include Kacey Musgraves’ Deeper Well, Luke Combs’ Fathers & Sons, Chris Stapleton’s Higher, Cody Johnson’s Leather, and Jelly Roll’s Whitsitt Chapel.
The winners will be announced at the ceremony at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on November 20.
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