At the 67th Grammy Awards, Beyoncé hoped to expand her dominance of the music industry with Cowboy Carter. Having spent the majority of her career in genres like pop, hip-hop, and R&B, the singer decided to venture into the world of country music. And with songs like “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages”, she not only took over airwaves but won both Album of the Year and Best Country Album. While a massive achievement in her career, House Republican Burgess Owens slammed the moment as nothing more than a DEI moment.
Videos by American Songwriter
For those lost about what DEI means, it is the abbreviation for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that removed the initiative on the federal level. And seeming to agree with the President, Owens took aim at Beyoncé, claiming, “I think that’s the closest thing to DEI we’re gonna see right now.”
“Nobody really respects that.” Republican Rep. Burgess Owens slams Beyoncé, says she only won the Grammy Award for Best Country Album because of DEI. (Video: Nicholas Ballasy) pic.twitter.com/62vab5c1um
— Mike Sington (@MikeSington) February 9, 2025
While explaining he wasn’t a fan of country music, Owens thought that many fans of the genre would be upset over the thought of Beyoncé winning at the Grammys. “You put all that hard work, develop your fan base, you go out there, you work to develop a reputation, and all of a sudden, somebody comes out of the blue because she’s popular … and she gets the best. Nobody respects that.”
Although the Grammys are over, Owens suggested the backlash just started. “I think Beyoncé and the Grammys … they’re gonna suffer long term because of it.”
[RELATED: Beyoncé Fans Troll, Country Fans Mourn the 2025 CMT Awards Cancellation]
Fans Stand Up For Beyoncé
Online, fans of both music and country shared their own thoughts about Beyoncé and the Republican. “Why so much resentment for someone else’s achievement & their talent & hard work being acknowledged? It’s not like Rep. Owens had an album up for Best Country Album. He’s just being hateful!” Another person added, “It was the highest selling country album in 2024. Did he listen to the album? It has fun parts & beautiful parts. It is really interesting. To me it felt more like something that resonates more with different parts of her life. Disappointing to see creeps be jerks about her art.”
It was the highest selling country album in 2024. Did he listen to the album? It has fun parts & beautiful parts. It is really interesting. To me it felt more like something that resonates more with different parts of her life. Disappointing to see creeps be jerks about her art.
— 🐾Jenny 867-5309🐾 (@jenjenkra) February 9, 2025
With fans jumping to Beyoncé’s defense, it appeared that Owens might be the one about to gain a great deal of backlash.
(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.