Beyoncé Snubbed by 2025 ACM Awards Despite Multiple Country Grammy Wins

March 27, 2025: Despite a groundbreaking foray into country music with her album Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé has been conspicuously absent from the 2025 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards nominations. This omission comes after her significant success at the 2025 Grammy Awards, where Cowboy Carter earned her Album of the Year and Best Country Album, and her duet “II Most Wanted” with Miley Cyrus secured Best Country Duo/Group Performance.

ACM Awards Overlook ‘Cowboy Carter’

The 60th ACM Awards, set for May 8 in Frisco, Texas, have recognized artists like Ella Langley, who leads with eight nominations, and Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson, and Morgan Wallen, each with seven. Notably, Beyoncé, along with Miranda Lambert and Zach Bryan, received no nominations. ​

Image Credit: Sonja Flemming/CBS

Industry Reactions and Speculations

The absence of Beyoncé from the ACM nominations has sparked discussions within the music community. The ACM CEO addressed the situation, stating, “We love that Beyoncé is in the country genre,” following a similar snub by the Country Music Association Awards. Fans and industry insiders are questioning whether genre boundaries or traditional industry norms influenced the decision.​

Beyoncé’s Impact on Country Music

Cowboy Carter represents a significant crossover into country music for Beyoncé, blending traditional country elements with her signature style. Its critical and commercial success, highlighted by multiple Grammy wins, underscores her influence and the evolving nature of genre classifications in the music industry.

Looking Ahead

As the ACM Awards approach, the conversation around inclusivity and recognition within genre-specific awards continues. Beyoncé’s experience may prompt a reevaluation of how artists who transcend traditional genre boundaries are acknowledged in the future.