In a stunning and unexpected turn of events, Beyoncé, one of the world’s most beloved and celebrated artists, has been permanently banned from the Country Music Association (CMA) after her latest album, Cowboy Carter, failed to receive a single nomination. The decision, which many are calling both draconian and absurd, was allegedly based on one simple claim from the CMA: “She can never be country.”

Yes, you read that correctly—according to the powers that be in the world of honky-tonk, the genre of steel guitars, boots, and heartbreak just isn’t big enough for Beyoncé. Despite releasing an album that masterfully blended country elements with her signature R&B style, and despite the massive support from her fanbase (and even Dolly Parton!), Beyoncé’s efforts to embrace the genre have been met with a swift and brutal rejection.

Released in March 2024, Cowboy Carter was Beyoncé’s bold step into the world of country music—a genre she had previously dabbled in with her song “Daddy Lessons” on the Lemonade album. At the time, her performance at the 2016 Country Music Awards with The Chicks (formerly the Dixie Chicks) was met with some excitement but also a fair amount of skepticism from country purists. It seems those skeptics have now become full-blown gatekeepers.

“I’m honored to be the first Black woman with the number one single on the Hot Country Songs chart,” Beyoncé said in a statement following her album’s release, referring to her breakout track “16 Carriages.” “This album isn’t about labels. It’s about music bringing people together.” And indeed, Cowboy Carter did just that—uniting Beyoncé’s fans from all genres under a banner of inclusivity, with a dash of twang.