Keith Urban’s Hometown: Response to Luke Bryan’s Controversial Beyonce Comments

Country music star Luke Bryan sparked controversy during his interview on Andy Cohen Live on October 2, 2024, when he commented on Beyoncé’s absence from the Country Music Association Awards nominations. He discussed the fierce loyalty of Beyoncé’s fanbase and stated:

“Beyoncé made a country album and Beyoncé had a lot of fans out there that have her back. And if she doesn’t get something they want, man, they come at you, as fans should do.”

He further added:

“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. And I’m not saying she didn’t do that … but country music is a lot about family.”

Many expressed concern over Bryan’s remarks, interpreting them as suggesting that Beyoncé is not a part of the country music community. Notably, several pointed out that Grammy-winning artist Keith Urban is widely accepted in the genre despite hailing from Queensland, Australia.

Netizens criticized Bryan for implying Beyoncé’s authenticity in country music was questionable. One user on social media stated:

“Be country with us for a bit”she was country before some of your colleagues decided to be to win a Grammy,”wrote an X user.

“Hey @lukebryan, Beyoncé was BORN IN TEXAS. Keith Urban, on the other hand, was born in AUSTRALIA! You’re really trying to say that TEXAS BORN Beyoncé isn’t country enough for you? Maybe you don’t know the roots of Country music? Or is your racism acting up?”argued another X user.

“Keith Urban is from Australia and y’all basically made him the face of the genre. But the girl from Houston needs to prove she’s part of your world?”wrote another X user.

Conversely, some defended Bryan, arguing that Beyoncé’s album Cowboy Carter does not fit the true essence of country music. Supporters highlighted Urban’s long-standing dedication to the genre in contrast to Beyoncé’s infrequent involvement. One user commented:

“I believe Urban has been a country music singer since he started making music. Country music has never been Beyoncé’s genre from the beginning. Giving it to her would be unfair. Beyoncé doesn’t deserve a trophy just because she’s Beyoncé.”

“Beyoncé didn’t switch to country. She just threw out an album that a lot of people felt wasn’t even country, just to say she could do country,”mentioned another user.

“I think some of y’all need to realize that Beyoncé can’t do everything. Just because she was born in Texas, doesn’t make her a country music singer. That’s just nonsense. Comparing her one attempt at the genre to Keith Urban’s 30 year career is more nonsense!”argued yet another user.

Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Competes for Best Country Album at the Grammy Awards

Beyoncé’s latest album, Cowboy Carter, is now in the running for the Best Country Album at the upcoming Grammy Awards, set to take place in Los Angeles on February 2, 2025. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the album was chosen during a recent screening committee meeting of the Recording Academy. Beyoncé will be up against artists such as Moroney, Post Malone, Chris Stapleton, Lainey Wilson, Zach Bryan, and Kacey Musgraves for the prestigious title.

In 2016, Beyoncé’s single “Daddy Lessons”was notably turned down by the Recording Academy for a Grammy nomination in the country music category. This song was seen as her initial foray into the country genre, which she performed at the 50th Annual Country Music Association Awards alongside The Chicks.

At the 65th Annual Grammy Awards last year, her album Renaissance received nine nominations, including one for Best Dance/Electronic Album, prompting numerous evaluations by the Recording Academy to determine its eligibility.

In that awards ceremony, Beyoncé secured four Grammy Awards, including Best Dance/Electronic Album, making her the most-awarded artist in Grammy history with a total of 32 wins.

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