Maren Morris is showing strong support for Beyoncé as the global superstar prepares to release her highly anticipated country album, Cowboy Carter. As someone who has faced her own battles within the country music industry, Morris didn’t hold back in celebrating Beyoncé’s efforts to challenge the genre’s long-standing barriers. She even echoed the sentiment of Beyoncé’s recent statements about the challenges she’s faced, posting an enthusiastic response: “Drag them, Queen.”
Beyoncé’s move into country music has sparked discussions about race, tradition, and who gets to claim a place within the genre. For Morris, this isn’t just about an album—it’s about a much-needed shift in an industry that has historically excluded Black artists, despite country music’s deep-rooted Black origins.
Maren Morris’ Fight Against Country Music’s Exclusionary Culture
Morris has long been vocal about the industry’s ongoing struggles with racism, sexism, and homophobia. In 2022, she famously clashed with Brittany Aldean over transphobic remarks, standing firmly in support of LGBTQ+ rights. Then, in late 2023, she released two tracks—The Tree and Get the Hell Out of Here—which many interpreted as her symbolic departure from the country music scene. While she later clarified that she still feels connected to the genre, she admitted she wants to distance herself from the toxic aspects that have made it unwelcoming for so many.
Her frustrations aren’t unfounded. The country music industry has long been criticized for its lack of inclusivity, particularly toward Black artists. While legends like Charley Pride and Linda Martell broke barriers decades ago, their contributions were often overshadowed, and systemic biases persisted. Beyoncé stepping into this space—on her own terms—isn’t just a musical move; it’s a statement.
Beyoncé’s History with Country Music and Past Industry Racism
Morris’ support for Beyoncé also stems from a history of exclusion that Beyoncé herself has experienced within country music. During the 2016 CMA Awards, Beyoncé took the stage with The Chicks to perform Daddy Lessons, a country-infused song from her Lemonade album. While the performance received praise from some, it also triggered intense backlash, with racist undertones becoming evident in the criticism. Natalie Maines later revealed that she and Beyoncé both received a wave of racist comments following the event.
In 2023, artist manager Tanner Davenport shed further light on the incident, recalling that racist remarks were openly made about Beyoncé’s performance. This history only amplifies the significance of Cowboy Carter—Beyoncé is not just dipping her toes into country music; she’s reclaiming space that should have never been denied to Black artists in the first place.
What’s Next for Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter?
Beyoncé has already given fans a taste of what’s to come, releasing two tracks from Cowboy Carter, including the breakout hit Texas Hold ‘Em. The song has already made waves, proving that Beyoncé’s presence in country music isn’t just symbolic—it’s commercially successful. With the full album yet to drop, anticipation is high for what else she has in store.
For Morris, and for many others who have long called for change in country music, Beyoncé’s presence in the genre represents a powerful shift. It’s not just about one artist crossing over—it’s about opening doors that have been shut for too long. And as Maren Morris made clear, she’s standing right behind Beyoncé in this fight.
