The #BeyHive Isn’t Happy About the GRAMMYs Recent Announcement
Here’s what you missed.
The GRAMMY Recording Academy announces the launch of two new music categories: “Best Traditional Country Album” and “Best Contemporary Country Album.” The decision sparked discourse within minutes.
For those unfamiliar, in 2016, Beyoncé performed “Daddy Lessons” with the Dixie Chicks at the Country Music Awards. Her presence at the event angered many, with several celebrities remaining seated and openly expressing anger at her performance. Ironically, Netflix’s Beyoncé Bowl viewership exceeded viewership for the 2024 CMAs, where many believed she was snubbed.
As a result, when the pop icon released Cowboy Carter, she openly discussed that she knew she wouldn’t receive an award. However, the #Beyhive wasn’t going to let that happen and encouraged the Academy to consider wisely. To her surprise, Beyoncé won the “Best Country Album” award.
On June 12, 2025, the Academy announced that the 2026 GRAMMY Award ceremony would reflect two new country categories: “Best Traditional Country Album” and “Best Contemporary Country Album.” Fans believe the recent decision appears to be another case of “moving the goal post,” as many Twitter users have shared.
As many know, Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter wasn’t just an album — it birthed a movement. From bringing country icons out of hiding to encouraging Western fashion’s resurgence, the Houston native is responsible for reconnecting many with the roots of country. So, when the GRAMMY board announced that they were launching a new country category after Beyoncé previously called out the industry’s lack of acceptance for her, fans were not happy.
View fan discourse below.
Beyoncé’s win for Best Country album and Album of the Year wasn’t neutral. It was one of the most political moments to happen in national television history. What I’d be curious to see if both categories for country album are aired on TV. If only the traditional one is, watch https://t.co/RtCOpjPJSy
— Someone’s Bouquet (@FlexRFlex) June 12, 2025
What a way of saying “Best Country album by a white artist”
Beyoncé, the disruptor that you are.
Every genre Beyoncé touches, will never be the same🤣 https://t.co/8S4rZcTUvC pic.twitter.com/P4Z4xveJCB
— NotBeyoncebutViolence (@ourhermitage) June 12, 2025
The undercurrent of Country Album category split is… suspicious to say the least.
A black woman wins in the category, and all of a sudden we need dual categories?
This has white tantrums (following this years ceremony) written all over it. Y’all aren’t fooling anyone. pic.twitter.com/xPjoLjtxi0
— THE BEYONCÉ SLAB ★★ (@BeyonceSlab) June 12, 2025
“Beat Black Country Album”
“Best White Country Album”
Doesnt matter cause Beyonce still won Country Album of the year! https://t.co/hymU9eyLRl— Lenny DeStefano 6/11 ♊️ (@alleybenz) June 12, 2025
It’s a good move. Reality is that Beyoncé shouldn’t have won best country album when she was on record of saying it wasn’t even really a country album. Music is every changing and in the country genre there is a major divide between more traditional and complementary. Like how
— Scout (@Scoutfish123) June 12, 2025
Have you seen the grammys announcement? It’s like the point of Cowboy Carter went over their heads. Or rather, refuse to accept the history of country music. This is also the second time the grammys added two categories for “best […] album) after Beyoncé won in said category.
— Ely (@GiftfromUsagi) June 12, 2025
I cant Wait til Beyonce drop a “Traditional Country Album” Next,
I see a Goal Post moved here🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣@Beyonce you know what to do https://t.co/IdD0baCiy2
— Reese in Real Life (@Reese929IndAtl) June 12, 2025
In other music news, Sabrina Carpenter opens up about her upcoming album — and that cover art. Elsewhere, these are the best of Olivia Nelson-Ododa’s tunnel fits.
