Billy Ray Cyrus was “surprised” that Beyoncé didn’t receive any nominations for the CMA Awards for her country album Cowboy Carter.
Ahead of the Country Music Association Awards on Wednesday night, the Achy Breaky Heart hitmaker took to Instagram to praise the nominees and question why the Texas Hold ‘Em singer wasn’t among them.
“Congratulations to ALL @cma nominees!” he wrote. “I was surprised to see @beyonce wasn’t nominated??? Her album was brilliant… her single ruled.”
However, Billy Ray noted that the music superstar doesn’t need awards and nominations to know that she’s made good music.
“But she knows that. She doesn’t need a trophy from the CMA… or permission …. or approval from any of their judges. ‘When ya knock em out…. Ya don’t need no judge.’ – Muhammad Ali,” he added.
Beyoncé topped the U.S. Billboard charts with Cowboy Carter and its lead single Texas Hold ‘Em earlier this year.
Billy Ray isn’t the first musician to weigh in on Beyoncé’s snub at the awards show. Kelly Clarkson previously stated that she was confused by the lack of recognition because “I feel like those songs were everywhere”.
Meanwhile, CMA co-host Luke Bryan said that he “respects” the singer and wants “everyone to win”, however, he noted that country music is often about being an active member of the community.
Bryan hosted the awards with Peyton Manning and Lainey Wilson at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee on Wednesday night.
Chris Stapleton dominated the ceremony, winning Male Vocalist of the Year and Single of the Year and Song of the Year for White Horse.
