At the 2025 Grammy Awards, Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus took home Best Country Duo/Group Performance for their collaboration on Cowboy Carter’s “II Most Wanted.” This win is a major milestone—it’s Beyoncé’s first in a country category, proving once again that her artistry knows no bounds.
With Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé has shaken up country music in a way that feels both fresh and long overdue. The album racked up 11 Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year, positioning it to make history as one of the most awarded albums ever. But beyond the accolades, this project is a statement. It acknowledges the often-overlooked role Black artists have played in shaping country music while unapologetically making space for them in its future.
Country music’s roots are deeply tied to Black history. Pioneers like DeFord Bailey, the first Black musician to perform at the Grand Ole Opry, and Lesley Riddle, whose work helped shape the Carter Family’s signature sound, laid the groundwork for the genre. Beyoncé’s success in this space isn’t just a win for her—it’s a spotlight on the contributions that have always been there but have rarely been acknowledged.
As fans await details on the Cowboy Carter tour, anticipation is at an all-time high. Beyoncé is expected to bring her signature storytelling, unmatched visuals, and a fresh take on country to the stage, further cementing her influence in the genre.
And with Black History Month in full swing, this moment couldn’t be more significant. Beyoncé’s presence in country music is more than just a crossover—it’s a reclamation. It’s a reminder that Black artists helped build this genre and that their voices, past and present, deserve to be heard.