In a shocking turn of events, Beyoncé was noticeably absent from the list of nominees for the 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards. This snub comes despite her critically acclaimed country-inspired album “Cowboy Carter” earning her Album of the Year and Best Country Album at the 2025 Grammys.
The Academy of Country Music Awards announced its 2025 nominees on March 27, with artists like Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, and Kelsea Ballerini receiving multiple nominations. However, Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” received zero nominations, sparking criticism and disappointment from fans.
ACM CEO Damon Whiteside acknowledged the snub, stating that while they were hoping for Beyoncé’s nomination, the voting pool’s preferences might have leaned towards artists with established relationships within the country music business.
“We were hoping to see Beyoncé’s name on the list, but unfortunately, it didn’t happen,” Whiteside said. “Our voting pool is made up of industry professionals who have a deep understanding of country music. While Beyoncé’s album was certainly eligible, it’s possible that our voters preferred to recognize artists who have been working within the country genre for a longer period.”
Whiteside also extended an open invitation for Beyoncé to perform on the ACM stage anytime she wants, highlighting the organization’s appreciation for her contribution to the country genre.
“We would love to have Beyoncé perform at the ACM Awards in the future,” Whiteside said. “We recognize the impact she’s had on country music with ‘Cowboy Carter,’ and we appreciate her willingness to experiment with the genre.”
Beyoncé’s snub at the ACM Awards has sparked a heated debate about the organization’s voting process and its treatment of artists from other genres. Many fans and industry insiders have taken to social media to express their disappointment and frustration, using hashtags like #BeyonceDeservedBetter and #ACMSnub.
Despite the snub, Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” remains a critically acclaimed and commercially successful album. The album’s lead single, “Texas Hold ‘Em,” debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, making Beyoncé the first Black woman to reach number one on that chart.
The 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards will air live on April 23. While Beyoncé may not be nominated, the ceremony is expected to feature performances from some of country music’s biggest stars.
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