In a surprising move, country music star Chris Stapleton has reportedly filed a formal objection to Beyoncé’s Grammy win in the Best Country Album category. Sources claim Stapleton believes the award should recognize artists who are fully committed to the country genre, rather than those who experiment with its sound. “Even she admits this is not a country album,” Stapleton allegedly stated in his complaint.
Beyoncé’s country-influenced album has been a polarizing topic since its release. While some see it as a bold and innovative crossover, others argue it strays too far from traditional country music. Her Grammy win has only deepened the divide, with critics suggesting the Recording Academy prioritized fame over genre authenticity.
Stapleton, a multiple Grammy-winning artist known for his authentic country style, has not publicly commented on the objection. However, his alleged actions could reignite the ongoing debate about the evolution of country music and who gets to define it.
The Recording Academy has not yet responded to the complaint, and Beyoncé has remained silent. Whether this objection will have any impact is uncertain, but it’s clear that the conversation about country music’s boundaries is far from over.