Having conquered the pop music world, Beyoncé made her country debut this year with March’s Cowboy Carter. As with most things the native Texan does in her career, the record made history. Beyoncé became the first Black woman to top the Top Country Album chart while also reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Today (Wednesday, Dec. 25,) millions were on the edge of their seats as Cowboy Carter got its live debut during halftime of the Houston Texas-Baltimore Ravens Christmas Day showdown.
‘Cowboy Carter’ Finally Gets Its Due
While Cowboy Carter has received no shortage of accolades, it is certainly not without its detractors. Many a purist has derided the record as “not country,” and the album was even snubbed by the 2024 CMA Awards.
However, Beyoncé has always stood firm on her country music credentials. So it was fitting to see her perform “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” and “16 Carriages” live for the first time at Houston’s NRG Stadium—home of the storied Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
In the days leading up to Christmas, excitement for the performance hit a crescendo on social media. “Jesus on his birthday getting ready to watch Beyoncé’s halftime show with his disciples in heaven,” one fan wrote on X/Twitter.
Queen Bey absolutely delivered, with surprise appearances from Cowboy Carter collaborators Shaboozey and Post Malone. “Post Malone is like ‘I’m really hanging out with Beyonce right now,’” one X/Twitter user wrote.
Beyoncé Leads 2025 Grammy Nominations
There is no shortage of strong opinions on whether Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter belongs on country music charts. Now, The Recording Academy has weighed in. When news of 2025 Grammy nominations hit the press last month, Beyoncé led all other artists with a personal-best 11 nods. And the “16 CARRIAGES” singer is in the running for Best Country Solo Performance, Best Country Duo/Group Performance (for the Miley Cyrus collab “II Most Wanted”) and Best Country Song (“Texas Hold ‘Em.”)
Beyond that, the former Destiny’s Child member, 43, scored recognition in the Best Country Album category for Cowboy Carter. Beyoncé faces Post Malone, Kacey Musgraves, Chris Stapleton and Lainey Wilson for the honor.