Martina McBride’s Critique
Martina McBride, known for her powerful voice and string of country hits, made her feelings clear in an interview where she didn’t hold back, saying, “Beyoncé is incredibly talented, but let’s be real—she’s far from country. Wearing a cowboy hat doesn’t make you a part of this genre.”
McBride’s comments come as Beyoncé continues to embrace a variety of musical styles and influences. While her forays into different genres have been met with praise for their creativity, they have also stirred debate among fans and critics. McBride’s critique seems to stem from what she views as the pop star’s attempt to tap into a genre with deep roots and traditions that she may not be fully connected to.
Beyoncé and Country Music
Beyoncé has touched on country elements in her music before, most notably with her 2016 song “Daddy Lessons” from her Lemonade album. The track was a blend of country, blues, and pop, earning praise from some corners of the music world for its genre-bending style. Beyoncé even performed the song at the 2016 Country Music Association Awards alongside The Chicks (formerly known as The Dixie Chicks).