Beyoncé has once again proven her versatility and influence as an artist by becoming the first black woman to top the US Hot Country Songs chart with her single Texas Hold ‘Em. The song, which was released as a surprise during the Super Bowl, is one of the two country-themed tracks from her upcoming album Act II, the second part of her Renaissance trilogy.
Texas Hold ‘Em is a catchy and upbeat tune that showcases Beyoncé’s roots in Texas and her love for country music. The song features a banjo played by folk star Rhiannon Giddens and references to hoedowns, dive bars, and “rugged whiskey”. Beyoncé sings about her confidence and charisma as she plays poker with her rivals, using metaphors and wordplay to describe her winning hand.
The song has received critical acclaim and widespread support from fans and fellow artists, especially from the country music community. Many have praised Beyoncé for breaking barriers and bringing diversity and innovation to the genre, which has often been seen as insular and male-dominated. Some have also compared her to Taylor Swift, who started her career as a country singer and later transitioned to pop.
However, not everyone has welcomed Beyoncé’s foray into country music. Some radio stations have refused to play the song, citing that it does not fit their format or audience. One station in Oklahoma, KYKC, initially rejected a listener’s request to play Texas Hold ‘Em, saying that they do not play Beyoncé on their country station. The station later changed its mind and added the song to its rotation, after receiving hundreds of emails and phone calls from Beyoncé’s fans, who accused the station of “blatant racism and discrimination”.
Beyoncé has not commented on the controversy, but she has hinted at her new musical direction in previous occasions. She wore a white cowboy hat to the 2024 Grammys, where she won four awards, including Album of the Year for Renaissance. She also performed a country-inspired rendition of her hit Formation at the 2022 CMA Awards, alongside the Dixie Chicks.
Beyoncé’s other new country song, 16 Carriages, is a ballad that tells the story of a runaway bride who escapes her wedding on a train. The song is more traditional and sentimental than Texas Hold ‘Em, and features a duet with country legend Willie Nelson. Both songs are expected to be part of Act II, which will be released on March 8, 2024, coinciding with International Women’s Day.
Beyoncé’s fans are eagerly awaiting the new album, which is rumored to have more collaborations with country artists, such as Kacey Musgraves, Chris Stapleton, and Miranda Lambert. Beyoncé has also announced a world tour, which will kick off in April 2024, and will include stops in major cities across the US, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Beyoncé is no stranger to experimenting with different genres and styles, from R&B and hip-hop to pop and rock. With her latest venture into country music, she has once again demonstrated her artistic vision and cultural impact, as well as her ability to challenge stereotypes and expectations. Beyoncé is not only a queen of pop, but also a queen of country.