As the Cowboy Carter tour makes it way to the UK, we review how the shy schoolgirl from Texas became a driven, record-breaking billionaire.
With 11 nominations for Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé became the most nominated artist in Grammy history, surpassing Jay-Z with a total of 99 nominations. Cowboy Carter also became her eighth consecutive number-one album on the Billboard 200 and the first album by a Black woman to top the Top Country Albums chart. The album’s lead single, “Texas Hold ‘Em,” also became the first country song by a Black woman to top the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Country Songs charts.
To support the album, Beyoncé embarked on the “Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin’ Circuit Tour,” showcasing a bold western-inspired vision that highlights Black Americana. The tour’s full title alludes to the history of Black music and the Chitlin’ Circuit, a network of venues where Black musicians could perform during the Jim Crow era. The tour kicked off on April 28, 2025, in Inglewood, California, and is scheduled to conclude on July 26 in Paradise, Nevada.
Since its release, the album has garnered significant acclaim and numerous awards, marking a historic moment in her illustrious career, including:
🏆 Sweeping the 67th Annual Grammy Awards (2025)
- Album of the Year: Beyoncé secured this prestigious award for the first time, making her the first Black woman to win in this category since Lauryn Hill in 1999.
- Best Country Album: She became the first Black artist to win this award, highlighting her successful foray into the country genre.
- Best Country Duo/Group Performance: Awarded for “II Most Wanted,” her collaboration with Miley Cyrus.
🏆 NAACP Image Awards (2025)
- Outstanding Album: Recognized for its cultural impact and artistic excellence.
🇭🇺 Hungarian Music Awards (2025)
- Foreign Classic Pop-Rock Album or Recording of the Year: Acknowledging the album’s international appeal.
🏆 American Music Awards (2025)
- Favorite Country Album: Celebrating its popularity among fans.
Despite these accolades, Cowboy Carter did not receive any nominations at the 58th Annual Country Music Association Awards, a decision that sparked discussions about inclusivity within the country music industry.
Overall, Cowboy Carter speaks for itself.