“Nobody’s Mad About It”: Luke Bryan Talks Beyoncé’s Country Album, Weighs in on CMA Snub

Breaking into country music in the early 2000s, Luke Bryan not only showcased his love for the genre but produced a career that continues today. While releasing eight studio albums, the singer sold over 75 million albums and won the Entertainer of the Year award from the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music Awards. Understanding what it takes to thrive in the world of country music, Bryan recently opened up about Beyoncé’s album, Cowboy Carter, getting snubbed at the CMAs. 

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With Bryan’s new album, Mind of a Country Boy, releasing in September, he decided to sit down with Andy Cohen on SiriusXM’s Andy Cohen Live to talk about all things country. And, of course, it was only a matter of time before the topic of Cowboy Carter hit the table. Not shying away from the conversation, Bryan said, “A lot of great music’s overlooked. Sometimes you don’t get nominated sometimes. Like I said, I mean, I think the CMA, they have their voting body. And they, they vote what they think should make it. Everybody loved that Beyoncé made a country album. Nobody’s mad about it.”

While explaining how fans and country music loved the album, Bryan noted how he wanted Beyoncé to embrace the genre and its family.  “Where things get a little tricky and, and you know, if you’re gonna make country albums come into our world and be country with us a little bit. Like, don’t, like Beyoncé can do exactly what she wants to. She’s probably the biggest star in music. But come to an award show and high-five us. And have fun and get in the family too.”

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Luke Bryan Explains The Family Dynamic Of Country Music

Although loving a good song, Bryan revealed that country music cares a great deal about family. While a large genre, it can sometimes feel small. And with a great deal of family, comes some disagreements. “Country music’s a lot about family and then there’s still, but it ain’t always family too. We get pissed at each other too.”

Besides country music, Bryan continues to expand his career as he appeared on numerous seasons of American Idol. The singer prepares to sit alongside old friend Lionel Richie and newcomer Carrie Underwood in the upcoming season airing in 2025 on ABC.

(Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)