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Kelly Clarkson Reacts to Beyoncé’s CMA Snub, Recalls Struggles in Breaking into Country Music
Sep
Kelly Clarkson expressed her surprise at Beyoncé’s absence from the list of nominees for the upcoming CMA Awards, despite the success of Cowboy Carter, the album that marked Beyoncé’s foray into country music. While Cowboy Carter achieved commercial success, with its lead single “Texas Hold ‘Em” hitting No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, the album didn’t receive any nominations from the Country Music Association.
“I kind of find it fascinating, because I feel like those songs were everywhere,” Clarkson said during an interview with NBC10 Boston. Despite the snub, Clarkson emphasized that the album’s impact speaks louder than the awards, saying, “At the end of the day, it’s not necessarily about the awards… It’s just people are showing up though, right? Like, you’re massive.”
Clarkson, who hails from Texas like Beyoncé, shared her own experience with the challenges of making it in the country music scene. “I was told at a lunch, if I didn’t quit pop music and just go country, I would not be played,” Clarkson revealed. “I was literally told that to my face, and I was like, ‘Okay, no offense, but I’m not ever gonna just pick one.’”
Reflecting on her diverse musical background, Clarkson acknowledged that, like Beyoncé, she grew up surrounded by country music in Texas. However, she refused to be pigeonholed into a single genre. “I imagine Beyoncé did too. We’re both Texans, so you can’t escape it, you know, growing up there.”
In her own concerts, Clarkson showcases a blend of genres, something that resonates with her audiences. “The crowds like hearing the country stuff. They like hearing the pop. They like hearing all the different things. [I’m] sure they do with her as well.”
Ultimately, Clarkson believes that success isn’t defined by accolades. “I think the real win there is that you don’t even need the award,” she concluded, recognizing Beyoncé’s influence and impact in the music industry, regardless of the CMA’s recognition.
Cowboy Carter may have been left out of the nominations, but its commercial success and Beyoncé’s ability to blend genres prove that she’s a force to be reckoned with in any genre she chooses to explore.
