Get a cowboy hat and polish those boots because Beyoncé has ridden like a true queen into the country music scene! Billboard announced on Tuesday that she has made history yet again, becoming the first Black female artist to have a No. 1 country song.🤠
Her chart-topping singles, “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages,” were released during a Super Bowl Sunday ad, teasing her upcoming eighth album, Act II, scheduled for release on 29 March 2024. This album is the second part of Beyoncé’s three-act project, following Act I: Renaissance, released in 2022.
The success of “Texas Hold ‘Em” marks a significant milestone, as no Black woman or biracial woman had previously topped the Hot Country Songs chart. This achievement comes on the heels of Tracy Chapman becoming the first Black woman to solely write a Country Airplay No. 1, with Luke Combs’ cover of her 1988 classic “Fast Car” reaching the top spot last July.
Beyoncé’s domination extends beyond the country genre, as “Texas Hold ‘Em” gives her No. 1s on nine of Billboard’s different genre charts as a solo artist. She holds the distinction of being the only act to achieve this feat.
Country music stations faced criticism for their reluctance to play Beyoncé’s music. One notable station, KYKC in Oklahoma, cited its status as a country music station for not playing Beyoncé. However, they have since changed their tune and added the songs to their playlist.
While “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages” are the Houston, Texas native’s latest foray into country music, “Daddy Lessons” remains her most notable country-focused song. She performed this song at the 2016 Country Music Association Awards with The Chicks, sparking debate within the country music community.
