Beyoncé ruffled more than a few feathers when she slid into the country music space with 2024’s Cowboy Carter. Honoring her Texas roots, songs like “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” and “16 CARRIAGES” marked a noticeable departure from the superstar’s typically more pop and R&B-oriented catalogue. Now, the 32-time GRAMMY winner is headed to this year’s ceremony with 11 more nominations, including four in the country music category. And fellow nominee Kelsea Ballerini is all too happy to see Beyoncé there.
Videos by American Songwriter
Kelsea Ballerini Throws Her Support Behind Beyoncé
This Sunday (Feb. 2,) Kelsea Ballerini will compete against Beyoncé for Best Country Duo/Group Performance. The country-pop songstress scored a nod for the Noah Kahan collab “Cowboys Cry Too.” Meanwhile, Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus are up for their Cowboy Carter duet “II Most Wanted.”
[RELATED: Taylor Swift and Beyoncé to Attend 2025 GRAMMY Awards]
However, Ballerini isn’t particularly feeling the competitive spirit. During a recent appearance on SiriusXM’s Fierce: Women in Music, the “Penthouse” singer enthusiastically supported Beyoncé’s nomination.
I hope Beyoncé wins every single country award at the Grammys pic.twitter.com/8MLYjEoCYQ
— 19Verny9 Loves Taylor | free palestine 🇵🇸 (@kurodekira) February 1, 2025
“That category, to me, represents what country music has been this year, and that’s what the album of the year category should represent,” Ballerini told host Lori Majewski. “What has happened in country music has been successful and groundbreaking this year. I don’t really understand the other opinions other than, like, it’s amazing to have huge, respected artists and other genres come in and celebrate ours.”
In fact, Ballerini doesn’t get why others aren’t more excited about Queen Bey’s nomination. “I don’t understand why that would be anything but great,” she said. “You don’t have to be a country artist to make a country record. Those don’t have to exist in the same plane.”
Thanks @THR for writing about my latest FIERCE: Women in Music episode with one of my favorites, @KelseaBallerini. I've really enjoyed watching her come into her own over the past decade. And I agree: You don't have to be country to record a country album https://t.co/0ezxKN0KFe
— Lori Majewski (@LoriMajewski) January 31, 2025
Why She’s Cool With Not Winning
Earning five GRAMMY nominations, Kelsea Ballerini has yet to take home her first trophy. But even if she loses to Beyoncé or another artist tomorrow, the 31-year-old “Dibs” singer is at peace with it.
“There are certain things that used to really make me cry myself to sleep. One is when people said I wasn’t country. And two is losing awards,” she said. “Now I’ve changed my relationship with all of it … If you get nominated, that means that sometimes, if you’re lucky, you get three-and-a-half minutes to sing on a show like the CMAs or the ACMs or the CMTs, you know? And that’s an award … I’m good with it.”
Featured image by MediaPunch/Shutterstock
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.