Country Star Gavin Adcock Criticizes Beyoncé’s Grammy-Winning 'Cowboy Carter'

Country singer Gavin Adcock has sparked controversy after publicly criticizing Beyoncé's 2024 album Cowboy Carter, which won Best Country Album and Album of the Year at the 2025 Grammys. During a concert, Adcock declared that Beyoncé's album "ain't country music," expressing frustration that it ranked above his own upcoming album on Apple Music's Country Albums chart, a sentiment he doubled down on via social media. His remarks drew mixed reactions, with many defending Beyoncé's genre-bending work and celebrating her historic Grammy wins as the first Black woman to win Best Country Album. Beyoncé herself clarified that Cowboy Carter is a "Beyoncé" album rather than strictly a country record, and she expressed gratitude for the country community's recognition. Despite the backlash from fans and fellow artists, Adcock emphasized his belief that country music should be reserved for those dedicated to the genre's traditional lifestyle and sound. The debate highlights ongoing tensions about genre boundaries and inclusivity within country music.