Country singer Gavin Adcock has stirred up controversy with his recent comments about Beyoncé’s album, *Cowboy Carter*. During a live performance on June 30, 2025, Adcock expressed his strong disapproval of the Grammy-winning artist’s foray into country music, particularly as her album topped the Apple Music country albums chart, surpassing his own.
In a clip shared on social media, Adcock stated, “One of them’s Beyoncé … you can tell her we’re coming for her f*ing ass.” He elaborated, “That st ain’t country music, it ain’t ever been country music and it ain’t gonna be country music.” His remarks have sparked a lively debate within the music community about the definitions and boundaries of country music.
Adcock, 26, further clarified his stance in a follow-up video on X, stating, “When I was a little kid, my mama was blasting some Beyoncé in the car. I’ve heard a ton of Beyoncé songs. Actually, I remember her Super Bowl halftime show being pretty kick-ass back in the day.” However, he maintained that her album should not be classified as country music. “It doesn’t sound country, it doesn’t feel country, and I don’t think that people who have dedicated their whole lives to this genre and lifestyle should have to compete or watch that album just stay at the top because she’s Beyoncé,” he added.
Despite Adcock’s criticism, *Cowboy Carter* has made significant waves in the music industry. The album recently topped the U.S. Billboard 200 albums chart, and it marks a historic milestone as the first album by a Black woman to reach the number one spot on the Billboard country albums chart. Beyoncé has also been lauded for highlighting Black country artists such as Shaboozey, Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy, and Reyna Roberts, as well as honoring trailblazers like Linda Martell.
Beyoncé’s *Cowboy Carter Tour*, which kicked off in Los Angeles in April, has attracted numerous celebrity attendees. The tour’s launch featured special appearances from her daughters, Blue Ivy and Rumi, and has continued to garner excitement across the country.
In interviews, Beyoncé has reflected on her own connections to country music, sharing how her upbringing in Houston has influenced her artistic journey. “I grew up going to the Houston rodeo every year. It was this amazing diverse and multicultural experience where there was something for every member of the family, including great performances, Houston-style fried Snickers, and fried turkey legs,” she told *Harper’s Bazaar* in 2021.
Beyoncé has also spoken about the often-overlooked contributions of Black individuals to country and rodeo culture. “One of my inspirations came from the overlooked history of the American Black cowboy,” she explained. “Many of them were originally called cowhands, who experienced great discrimination and were often forced to work with the worst, most temperamental horses. They took their talents and formed the Soul Circuit. Through time, these Black rodeos showcased incredible performers and helped us reclaim our place in western history and culture.”
As the debate continues, it’s clear that the intersection of country music and pop culture is evolving, and artists like Beyoncé are reshaping the narrative. While Adcock’s comments reflect a segment of the country music community that feels protective of the genre’s traditional roots, others are embracing the inclusivity and diversity that artists like Beyoncé bring to the table.
The conversation around *Cowboy Carter* and its impact on the country music landscape is far from over, and it will be interesting to see how it influences both the genre and the artists within it moving forward.