Despite her absence from the recent CMA Awards, Beyoncé’s presence was clearly felt by attendees.
While her country album “Cowboy Carter” didn’t receive any nominations this year, her peers and industry partners honored her by mentioning her name and ensuring that she remains a prominent figure in the country music conversation.
Shaboozey, a rising star nominated for Best New Artist, told PEOPLE magazine that his collaboration on “Cowboy Carter” played a pivotal role in boosting his career. What is he like?
“It was amazing, she threw me the alley and I went up there and tried to swing that ladder,” he shared.
Shaboozey worked with Beyoncé on her songs “Spaghettii” and “Sweet Honey Buckin”, saying: “We’ve been dropping our songs for half a year and it’s still going.”
“I love it. It feels like it’s been 10 years but it’s only been a few months,” he added.
The War and Accord, a talented couple among the nominees, expressed their admiration for Shaboozey’s achievements and they shared their thoughts on Beyoncé’s lack of recognition at this year’s awards ceremony. .
Michael Trotter, Jr. told the magazine, “I think it’s very important that we acknowledge what the CMA is representing.”
He continued, “I think it’s very important to recognize the hard work of someone who wasn’t in the Nashville system but came here and did what he did and had the biggest single of the year, that very important.”
“We all stand on his shoulders, and there’s the great, talented and extraordinary Beyoncé along with ‘Cowboy Carter,’ so tonight could feel like karma for a lot of different people,” he added.
Tiera Kennedy, the Home Free singer known for her appearance on Cowboy Carter, shared her deep admiration for Beyoncé with PEOPLE. She believes that “Texas Hold ‘Em” is “the song that should have been nominated.”
Before the ceremony, Billy Ray Cyrus also expressed confusion and disappointment as to why the “Single Ladies” singer wasn’t even nominated for any awards at the CMAs.
“I’m surprised to see Beyoncé not nominated??? Her album was brilliant…her single dominated,” he said. “But she knows that. She doesn’t need a trophy from the CMA… or permission…. or approval from any of their judges.”
The Beyhive, Beyoncé’s loyal fan base, also expressed anger at the time the nominations were announced only to learn that their idol wasn’t even nominated, despite previously telling the CMA’s ” highest ratings in CMA history.”
Tags Beyonce, CMA Awards