The people have spoken, andBeyoncé Knowles-Carterand her eighth studio album "Cowboy Carter" are fan favorites, as determined by the 2025American Music Awards (AMAs). Beyoncétook home two more country awards atthis year's AMAs,which aired live from Las Vegas on May 26. The 35-time Grammy winning singer won favorite female country artist and favorite country album for her genre-bending project. It was the first time she was nominated in either category; neither were televised. She was also up for album of the year.Billie Eilishup winning that award along with allseven awards she was nominated for. During the award show, country music was a big talking point, especially whenMegan Moroney and "Cowboy Carter" collaborator Shaboozey took the stageto present the award for favorite country duo or group. After Shaboozey noted the legendary African-American country performer Charley Pride's 1974 victories for best country album and the genre's favorite male artist of the year, Moroney stated that in 1974, favorite female artist went to Lynn Anderson and favorite country duo or group went to the Carter Family, "who basically invented country music." It was clear Shaboozey was taken aback as he paused and raised his eyebrows before continuing. Of course, the Carter Family members were key power players in country music's history, but they were far from the genre's inventors. This moment highlighted both thecurrent and historical misconceptionssurrounding country music, which often overlook the foundational contributions of Black artists and people of color. It's a recurring theme that Beyoncé's music has helped bring to light, while also underscoring the genre's persistent resistance to change. SHABOOZEY'S FACE WHEN SHE SAID THE CARTER FAMILY "CREATED COUNTRY MUSIC" IS FRYING ME LMFAOOO😭😭😭pic.twitter.com/4lo4JQp80m — 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗻𝘆🫧💚 (@beyoncegarden)May 27, 2025 As fans know,Beyoncéfirst announcedthe album during a surprise Super Bowl commercial in 2024 when she released singles "16 Carriages" and "Texas Hold 'Em." The 27-track project became ahuge catalystfor the recent spotlight on Black country artists and the genre's roots, whilebreaking multiple recordsalong the way. With this album, Beyoncébecame the leading nominee at the 2025 Grammy Awards, where she scored nominations in the country and American roots categories for the first time. She ended upwinning album of the yearandbest country duo/group performancefor "II Most Wanted" with Miley Cyrus. Beyoncé also wonbest country album for "Cowboy Carter."It was the first time a Black woman won that award. Of course, Beyoncé is currently in the middle of herCowboy Carter and Rodeo Chitlin' Circuit Tour, aspectaclefilled with fashion, different music genres and most notably country music and political commentary. The song "Freedom" is among the songs on themassive set list. The nine-city tour will span the U.S. and Europe with the grand finaletaking place in Las Vegason July 26. Follow Caché McClay, the USA TODAY Network's Beyoncé Knowles-Carter reporter, onInstagram,TikTokandXas @cachemcclay. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean:Beyoncé's 'Cowboy Carter' wins more country awards at AMAs
