Beyoncé's Halftime Show Tackles Country Music's Uncomfortable Black History
Beyoncé’s Christmas Day halftime performance wasn’t just entertainment—it was a bold statement on Black artistry's difficult relationship with country music.
Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album may have been a bold venture into country music, but it saw significant backlash from country fans and artists alike. Critics accused her of invading a traditionally white genre and questioned her intentions despite her decades of artistry. However, her Christmas Day halftime performance during the Texans vs. Ravens game was a response to those critiques, unapologetically highlighting Black excellence in country music. Joined by her daughter Blue Ivy and Black country artists like Shaboozey, Brittney Spencer, and Tiera Kennedy, Beyoncé’s performance wasn’t just entertainment; it was a statement. To fully appreciate the significance of this moment, we must explore the history of Black artists in country music, the battles they’ve fought for recognition, and the barriers they’ve faced along the way. Beyoncé’s performance served as a milestone in this ongoing fight for representation.
The Hidden Roots of Country Music
Black artists have been part of country music’s DNA from the very beginning, even though the industry often tried to erase their contributions. Erich Nunn’s Country Music and the Souls of White Folk reveals that the "hillbilly music" marketed by record companies in the 1920s was steeped in African American traditions, shared by both Black and white communities. Yet, during this time, the industry repackaged country music to appear as exclusively white.
Jimmie Rodgers, hailed as the “Father of Country Music,” recorded songs between 1927 and 1933 that became a cornerstone of the genre. His work symbolized the birth of country music, but also marked a point where Black influences were hidden in plain sight. Beyoncé’s halftime show boldly challenged this history, embracing the genre’s African American roots and bringing them to the forefront.
Fighting for Equality in Country Music
For decades Black country artists have faced enormous challenges, from being overlooked in award nominations to outright resistance from fans and gatekeepers. The most recent example of this took place July 2024 when Shaboozey faced backlash after achieving chart-topping success with his record breaking single “A Bar Song (Tipsy).” The song quickly climbed the charts, became 2024’s song of the summer, and claimed the #1 spot on Billboard’s Top 100 chart for over 18 weeks.
Critics accused him of “invading the genre,” echoing the reaction to Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road.” In addition to this, country music producer Trent Willmon was found guilty of disrespecting Shaboozey in the court of public opinion November 2024 during his CMA Awards speech for saying, “It takes an army of people to make a great record, but I gotta tell ya, this is for this cowboy who’s been kicking shaboozey for a lot of years, y’all.”
Moments like this show how Blackness in country music is still met with skepticism and hostility, regardless of talent or artistry. Beyoncé’s album and performance brought attention to these struggles while also highlighting the importance of unity among Black artists in the genre. By showcasing talents like Shaboozey, Brittney Spencer and Tiera Kennedy on one of the biggest stages in entertainment, she offered them the recognition they deserve and encouraged the industry to embrace its roots.
Beyoncé’s Halftime Performance as a Cultural Milestone
Beyoncé’s expansion into country music wasn’t just about exploring a new sound; it was about reclaiming space. Her halftime performance directly addressed the criticism she received for Cowboy Carter. If the most awarded female artist in history can face backlash for engaging with country music, imagine how much harder it is for lesser-known Black artists. By spotlighting these artists and embracing the genre’s history, she made a powerful statement. Songs like her rendition of “Jolene,” featuring references to country music icon Dolly Parton, bridged the gap between Black cultural influences and country’s storytelling traditions. Beyoncé’s performance didn’t just entertain; it educated, challenging audiences to rethink what country music is and who belongs in it.
Looking Ahead
Beyoncé’s halftime show was a reminder that country music is richer, more complex, and more inclusive than its gatekeepers often portray. By honoring its Black roots and uplifting current Black artists, she sparked a deeper conversation about the genre’s future. Her performance proved that country music doesn’t belong to one race, one sound, or one story—it belongs to everyone who loves and shapes it. As Black country artists like Shaboozey, Brittney Spencer, and Tanner Adell continue to make waves, Beyoncé’s stand ensures they won’t have to fight for recognition alone.
Watch the halftime show below.
Sources: Nunn, E. (2009). COUNTRY MUSIC AND THE SOULS OF WHITE FOLK. Criticism, 51(4), 623–649. http://www.jstor.org/stable/23131534
https://www.billboard.com/lists/shaboozey-a-bar-song-tipsy-hot-100-number-one-record-19-weeks/