Beyoncé’s latest album, “Act II: Cowboy Carter,” has taken the music world by storm, with celebrities at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards praising her for her bold venture into country music.
However, not everyone is on board with Beyoncé’s new sound. Lily Allen, the British singer, shared her thoughts on her podcast, “Miss Me?” with co-host Miquita Oliver. Allen expressed her disagreement with Beyoncé’s decision to cover Dolly Parton’s iconic song, “Jolene,” calling it “weird” and “calculated.”
Despite the criticism, Beyoncé’s album has been making waves, with her single “Texas Hold ‘Em” topping the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, making her the first Black woman to achieve this feat. The album features collaborations with genre-bending Black artists and country music legends like Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and Linda Martell.
Parton herself praised Beyoncé’s rendition of “Jolene,” acknowledging the trouble she’s giving the original singer. Beyoncé, in her acceptance speech for the Innovator Award at the iHeartRadio Awards, emphasized the importance of enjoying art without preconceived notions and being open to innovation.
As the music world continues to buzz about Beyoncé’s foray into country music, it’s clear that she is unafraid to push boundaries and challenge the status quo. Love it or hate it, Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” is making a mark on the industry and solidifying her status as a musical powerhouse.
