Country star Gavin Adcock ignited controversy during a recent show.
“One of ’em’s Beyoncé,” he told the crowd. “That s‑t ain’t country music, it ain’t ever been country music.”
Adcock’s album, My Own Worst Enemy, currently trails Cowboy Carter on Apple Music’s country chart.
Adcock Explains His Stance
On social media June 30, Adcock clarified his view.
“When I was a little kid, my mama was blasting some Beyoncé in the car,” he said.
“I don’t believe her album should be labeled as country music,” he continued. “It doesn’t sound country, it doesn’t feel country.”
He added that it seems unfair for artists “who dedicated their whole lives to this genre and this lifestyle” to compete with Beyoncé simply “because she’s Beyoncé.”
Beyoncé’s Album Breaks Barriers
Released in 2024, Cowboy Carter stunned both fans and critics. It blends country-pop, Americana and Southern sounds.
The album won Best Country Album and Album of the Year at the Grammys in early 2025. It also features collaborations with Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson and rising Black country artists.
It debuted atop both the Billboard 200 and Top Country Albums charts.
Backlash, Context and Genre Tension
Adcock’s on‑stage comments reflect a broader debate. Critics question whether Beyoncé’s genre blending truly qualifies as “country.”
Meanwhile, others contend this moment signals greater inclusion. Beyoncé’s work has expanded recognition of Black voices in country.
Just last month, the Recording Academy announced that starting in 2026, Best Country Album will split into contemporary and traditional categories. Some say this change was prompted by Beyoncé’s Grammy success.
Sting of the Charts, Future Tours
Adcock is set to open for Morgan Wallen in Florida on July 11–12, riding momentum from his charting album.
Beyoncé is mid‑tour on her Cowboy Carter Tour. It has grossed over $300 million and sold more than 1.2 million tickets.
Her team has not publicly responded to Adcock’s comments