Skip To...
Country music legend Billy Ray Cyrus recently defended Beyoncé against the Country Music Awards.
The 32x Grammy winner has been in the headlines since February 2024, when she dropped the lead single (“Texas Hold ‘Em”) for her eighth studio album, Cowboy Carter. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, selling over 400,000 copies in its first week. Bey’s country-inspired project also featured icons of the genre, like Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton. It also featured rising stars like Shaboozey and Hollywood staples like Post Malone and Miley Cyrus.
Because of the praise, CMA nominations for Beyoncé felt like a given. But, once again, the BeyHive was left speechless when it was revealed she had been snubbed. So, what did Billy have to say about this?
The Cyrus Family Loves Beyoncé
On Instagram, Billy promoted the show and gave a special shoutout to the nominees. He also mentioned Lil Nas X and their special remix to “Old Town Road.” Then, he called out the Country Music Awards like never before.
“I was surprised to see @beyonce wasn’t nominated???” Billy wrote. “Her album was brilliant… her single ruled. But she knows that. She doesn’t need a trophy from the CMA… or permission …. or approval from any of their judges.” But his next line is what really did it. The “Achy Breaky Heart ” singer quoted the late and great Muhammad Ali. “When ya knock ’em out…. Ya don’t need no judge.”
Billy’s comments come after Luke Bryan drew ire from the BeyHive after hinting that Beyoncé wasn’t country enough. “I’m all for everybody coming in and making country albums and all that, but just because she made one … like, just because I made one, doesn’t mean I get nominations. A lot of great music is overlooked. Sometimes you don’t get nominated.”
This isn’t the first time a Cyrus family member has praised Beyoncé. Miley, who’s featured on Bey’s album, has spoken about her love for the singer since she was a teenager. When Cowboy Carter was released, Cyrus sent out a heartfelt message to the “Single Ladies” singer.
“Thank you, Beyoncé. You’re everything [and] more. Love you.”
Will Beyoncé Perform Cowboy Carter Live?
Since releasing CC, many fans have wondered if Beyoncé would ever perform the project live. Well, the answer is yes! Earlier this week, Bey, in partnership with Netflix, revealed that she’d headline the NFL’s Christmas Day halftime show. According to a press release, the performance will be the “first live performance of songs from genre-bending and record-breaking album Cowboy Carter.”
In addition to Beyoncé’s page, the post was seen on her X/Twitter account, and her team changed her Instagram bio to promote the big day. Could that mean something bigger is around the corner? Many fans seem to think so. “Beyoncé changed her BIO! This is HAPPENING, and I’m so excited,” someone wrote online.
Another reason people are hyped about this performance is the chance to see some special guests. With the album’s many features and Beyoncé’s incomparable mind, BeyHive members could see something really special. But until then, fans will have to stream the album on repeat to hold them over.
