The release of Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter in March 2024 shook the country music scene—but not everyone is tipping their hat in approval. While the album topped charts and sparked viral moments, one outspoken country artist has publicly called out the Grammy-winning superstar, claiming her project is “not country” by any real standard.
During a recent set, country singer Adcock unleashed a whiskey-fueled rant that ignited both cheers from his crowd and fiery backlash from Beyoncé’s loyal fans, the BeyHive.
Country artist Gavin Adcock slams Beyoncé after his album currently ranks below ‘COWBOY CARTER’ on the Apple Music Country chart:
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) June 30, 2025
“That s*** ain’t country music and it ain’t ever been country music, and it ain’t gonna be country music.” pic.twitter.com/rKwaqymt5t
???? “That Sh*t Ain’t Country Music” – Adcock Blasts Beyoncé
“There’s only three people in front of me on the Apple Music country charts, and one of them is Beyoncé,” Adcock declared mid-performance. “You can tell her we’re coming for her f*ing a.”
The crowd erupted in cheers as the singer doubled down, saying:
“That sh*t ain’t country music, it ain’t ever been country music and it ain’t gonna be country music.”
The clip quickly went viral, fueling intense debate over genre purity and whether Beyoncé’s album deserved its country label.
???? The BeyHive Strikes Back
As expected, Beyoncé’s army of fans wasted no time in clapping back. Social media platforms were flooded with posts defending the Cowboy Carter singer and slamming Adcock for his remarks.
In response to the backlash, Adcock took to Instagram to clarify his stance.
“When I was a little kid, my mama was blasting Beyoncé in the car,” he said in a video post. “I’ve heard tons of her songs, and I actually thought her Super Bowl halftime show was pretty kick-ass back in the day. But I really don’t believe her album should be labeled as country music. It doesn’t sound country, it doesn’t feel country, and people who’ve dedicated their lives to this genre shouldn’t have to compete with it just because she’s Beyoncé.”
???? Dolly Parton Defends Beyoncé: “A Magnificent Artist”
While Adcock and others from country music’s traditional guard seem hesitant to embrace Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé has also found support from country royalty.
Legendary singer Dolly Parton revealed she was honored by Beyoncé’s venture into country music.
“I’m a huge fan of Beyoncé,” Parton shared in a recent interview. “She’s a magnificent artist, and I absolutely loved her version of Jolene. I thought the whole album was really, really good.”
Parton’s glowing endorsement added fuel to the cultural debate, with many arguing that Beyoncé’s versatility and artistry transcend genre lines.
???? Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Continues Breaking Records
Despite the controversy, Cowboy Carter has been a commercial and critical triumph. The album not only dominated the Apple Music country charts but also attracted new audiences to the genre. Beyoncé’s bold reimagining of classics like Jolene and her original country-inspired tracks have cemented her place as one of music’s most boundary-breaking icons.
