Charley Crockett Defends Beyoncé, Criticizes Nashville, Spurs Feud with Gavin Adcock

Charley Crockett has stirred controversy within the country music community by defending Beyoncé's Grammy-winning country-inspired album Cowboy Carter and criticizing the longstanding prevalence of 'bro country' and trap beats in the genre. Crockett challenged the notion that Beyoncé is responsible for dissatisfaction in country music, instead pointing to a 25-year era of bro country and highlighting that the current top country artist, Morgan Wallen, openly admits to not listening to much country music. He condemned the Nashville music industry's commercialization and the marginalization of diverse voices, asserting that artists like Beyoncé bring authenticity to the genre. Meanwhile, singer Gavin Adcock has publicly criticized both Beyoncé's place in country music and Crockett himself, accusing Crockett of lacking originality and branding him a 'cosplay cowboy.' Crockett responded by emphasizing respect and rejecting the need to denigrate a Black woman to advance his career. This exchange underscores ongoing tensions about authenticity, race, and the evolving sound of country music.