After facing the wrath of the BeyHive last week, Luke Bryan retracted his comments about Beyoncé’s country music.
“I am posting tonight based on the ridiculous nature of the headlines I have read the last couple days,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter. He continued, writing that the media has spun his comments. “You will hear my tone and intentions, which were not negative,” Bryan shared. “I respect Beyonce, and I love how loyal her fans are. I spend a lot of time supporting other artists, [and] I want everyone to win. Love yall.”
Luke Thinks Beyoncé Isn’t Country Enough
Before Luke Bryan retracted his comments on October 6, the “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)” singer had a lot to say about Beyoncé’s entry into country music.
“It’s a tough thing to say. I don’t know how many albums she [sold],” he said on Andy Cohen’s radio show. “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.”
Bryan continued, advising Beyoncé, who is a Texas native, to “come into our world.”
“… come to an award show and high-five us and have fun and get in the family, too. And I’m not saying she didn’t do that … but country music is a lot about family.”
Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé’s eighth studio album, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and spawned the No. 1 single, “Texas Hold ‘Em.” However, this isn’t the first time Bey has released twangy music. In 2016, she recorded “Daddy Lessons,” a country-themed track for her sixth album Lemonade.
Although the queen didn’t secure nominations at the CMAs, a report from The Hollywood Reporter has said she will compete in country categories at the Grammys in 2025. Based on chart performances, sales, and cultural impact, Beyoncé’s project is clearly the most acclaimed country record of the year. So, will she win? The BeyHive will have to stay tuned.
