Gavin Adcock blasts Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter as “Not Country Music” after she beats him on charts [VIDEO]
Gavin Adcock Rants About Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, Calls It “Not Country Music” During Live Show
A new video circulating online shows country artist Gavin Adcock taking direct aim at Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album during a live performance. Therefore, triggering fierce backlash and reigniting the ongoing debate about race, genre, and gatekeeping in country music.
While performing on June 30, Adcock voiced his frustration with Cowboy Carter surpassing his album Own Worst Enemy on the Apple Music Country chart. Beyoncé’s album currently sits at No. 3. Meanwhile, Adcock’s holds the No. 4 spot.
“That ain’t country music and it ain’t ever been country music, and it ain’t gonna be country music,” Adcock declared on stage.
The crowd reaction was mixed, but the quote quickly went viral across social media platforms. As a result, many are accusing the 26-year-old singer of dismissing the long-standing influence of Black artists on the genre.
Adcock doubles down: “Just because she’s Beyoncé…”
Later that day, Adcock attempted to clarify his stance via Instagram. Though he acknowledged Beyoncé’s talent and even praised her Super Bowl halftime performance as “awesome,” he stood firm in his criticism of Cowboy Carter.
“I really don’t believe that her album should be labeled as country music. It doesn’t sound country, it doesn’t feel country,” Adcock said. “People who’ve dedicated their lives to this genre and this lifestyle shouldn’t have to compete with that, just because she’s Beyoncé.”
He ended the video with a caption reading, “It just ain’t country,” further fueling the controversy.
Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter: A Grammy-winning cultural reset
Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, released in March 2024, isn’t just dominating charts — it’s reshaping how many view country music itself. The album debuted at No. 1 on multiple Billboard charts and went on to win Album of the Year and Best Country Album at the 2025 Grammy Awards.
Rooted in her Texas upbringing, the album features collaborations with iconic figures like Dolly Parton and Linda Martell — the first Black woman to break into country music’s mainstream. With songs blending country, soul, zydeco, and Americana, Beyoncé stated the project aimed to “reclaim and highlight Black contributions to country music.”
Cowboy Carter also marked a personal milestone for Beyoncé. After facing criticism and racism following her 2016 CMA performance with the Dixie Chicks, she returned to the genre with a full-length body of work that centers Black artistry and storytelling.
Historical Implications: Country music’s Black roots
Adcock’s comments — though not unique in today’s climate — have reopened the conversation about who gets to “own” country music. Despite the modern association of country with white Southern culture, the genre was heavily shaped by Black artists and traditions.
The banjo, widely regarded as a cornerstone of country instrumentation, originated from African musical traditions. Icons like DeFord Bailey, the first Black artist on the Grand Ole Opry, and Charley Pride, a Country Music Hall of Fame inductee, made significant — and often overlooked — contributions.
National Geographic recently reported that Beyoncé, Lil Nas X, and Shaboozey are “drawing mainstream attention to a tradition that is alive and well — thanks to generations of Black musicians.”
Online backlash: “It’s giving racism, not realism”
Social media users wasted no time reacting to Adcock’s remarks. One viral X post from @baddietvv posed the question:
“Country Music Artist Gavin Adcock Says He’s Coming For Beyoncé ‘That Stuff Ain’t Country Music’ Thoughts?”
Responses ranged from support for Beyoncé’s genre-bending work to accusations that Adcock’s comments were racially charged.
“It’s giving racism, not realism,” one user wrote.
“Gavin mad because a Black woman beat him at his own game,” another replied.
Others argued that Adcock’s comments were simply outdated, given the increasing genre crossover in modern music.
Defenders say he’s protecting “genre purity”
While many condemned Adcock’s remarks, some fans and country traditionalists defended his right to speak out. These supporters argue that his frustration reflects a broader concern about genre dilution, where mainstream pop artists enter the country space for chart dominance without adhering to its roots.
One X user wrote:
“He’s not wrong. Country’s been getting watered down for years. Beyoncé isn’t country, she’s just cashing in.”
However, critics argue that this perspective conveniently ignores the genre’s Black origins and the industry’s history of sidelining non-white artists.
Industry silence speaks volumes
Interestingly, major country stars have largely remained silent. Whether out of fear of backlash or an unwillingness to wade into controversy, artists like Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, and Kelsea Ballerini have not publicly commented. Of course, a few years ago, Wallen made his own racially insensitive comments that wound up stirring plenty of controversy. Now, it’s Gavin Adcock who has people upset. While his comments did not bring up race, there are those on social media who feel that was implied.
However, media outlets have picked up the story with force. Variety, Deadline, and Rolling Stone have all published coverage dissecting Adcock’s statements and the broader implications for the country genre.
A Deadline op-ed noted:
“If I were him, I would be a little more sensitive about the cultural optics of going after Beyoncé for having a hit country album.”
Final Thoughts: Genre wars, or something deeper?
Gavin Adcock’s remarks may have been directed at Cowboy Carter, but the firestorm they’ve ignited speaks to something deeper. His comments echo decades of resistance to genre expansion, particularly when that expansion includes Black artists.
While Adcock says he’s “coming for Beyoncé,” the numbers say she’s already there. Cowboy Carter continues to dominate country charts, tour across continents, and inspire new conversations about who gets to define country music.
Beyoncé’s approach hasn’t just opened the door — it’s widened the entire hallway. By collaborating with legacy artists, paying homage to pioneers, and introducing younger audiences to country’s hidden history, she’s made a mark that gatekeeping can’t erase.
And that’s exactly what scares people like Gavin Adcock.
As Cowboy Carter continues to pull in streams, awards, and headlines, it’s clear that Beyoncé’s presence in country music is more than a moment — it’s a movement. Whether the industry fully embraces it or not, the audience already has. And they’re not going back.