Country Music’s Growing Influence: New Artists and Grammy Prospects
NEW YORK (AP) — Country music is rapidly becoming a dominant force in mainstream pop music. Artists like Beyoncé and Post Malone, who were not traditionally associated with country, have recently released albums in the genre.
While these albums have gained popularity, their chances of receiving Grammy nominations remain uncertain.
Beyoncé’s groundbreaking album, “Cowboy Carter,” has reshaped the narrative around Black artists in country music, making her the first Black woman to reach No. 1 on the Billboard country albums chart.
Shaboozey’s hit, “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” is currently the biggest song of the year, holding the record for the most weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. This track blends his country sound with a sample from J Kwon’s 2004 hit, “Tipsy.” This summer, he made history as only the second Black artist to top both the pop and country singles charts simultaneously.
Post Malone has also smoothly transitioned into country music, making appearances in Nashville and performing at the Grand Ole Opry. His collaboration with Morgan Wallen, “I Had Some Help,” has become a chart success.
As the Grammy nominations approach, here are key points to know about the country categories:
Key Grammy Categories for Country Music
The Grammys feature four main country music categories:
- Best Country Album
- Best Country Solo Performance
- Best Country Duo/Group Performance
- Best Country Song (awarded to the songwriters)
Each category will recognize five nominees.
Who Submitted Nominations?
Beyoncé, Shaboozey, and Post Malone have all submitted works in these major country categories. Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” is up for best country album, while Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” and Post Malone’s “I Had Some Help” are submitted for country song and duo/group performance categories.
They will likely compete against strong contenders for the best country album nomination, including Luke Combs, Kacey Musgraves, and Chris Stapleton.
Beyoncé’s Grammy Chances
Beyoncé did not receive nominations for “Cowboy Carter” at the 2024 Country Music Association Awards (CMAs), a decision that has drawn criticism. Country artist Mickey Guyton expressed disappointment over this outcome, which reflects Nashville’s insular music scene.
Guyton noted that establishing a presence in Nashville can enhance an artist’s chances of acceptance in the country community, and Beyoncé’s absence might have affected her Grammy nominations. If she secures a nomination for best country album, she would become only the second Black artist to achieve this, following Guyton.
Post Malone’s Grammy Prospects
Many believe Post Malone has a strong chance of receiving Grammy nominations due to his popularity in country music. He has worked with numerous country artists and received positive reactions from country radio.
However, his collaboration with Wallen might pose a challenge, considering Wallen’s controversial past. Despite Wallen’s popularity, he has yet to receive a Grammy nomination.
Shaboozey’s Grammy Chances
Shaboozey’s success is likely to center on his hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” which combines country and pop influences. The song’s popularity on both country and all-genre charts is a promising sign for its recognition at the Grammys.
Shaboozey made history as the first Black male artist to reach No. 1 on the country songs and airplay charts, indicating strong support from country radio.
As the Grammys approach, it will be interesting to see if the Academy embraces these genre-blurring artists and their contributions to country music.
