The 2025 Grammy Awards were a big night for Beyoncé, but her wins in the country music genre have drawn mixed reactions across the board.

Let's talk about it. It was a big night for Beyoncé at the 2025 Grammy Awards. She took home three awards, bringing her overall Grammy wins up to 35. Currently, she has the most Grammy wins to date, with 99 nominations also included on her resume. Country music fans and professionals have reacted to her latest accolades, but not everyone is happy about them. I've been a country music fan all my life, and I certainly have a few thoughts to add to the discussion. However, before we get to that, let's take a look at what she won and how it happened.

Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter Dominated the 2025 Grammy Awards

Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter album was released on March 24, 2024, featuring a whopping 27 tracks. Several collaborators contributed to the album, including the likes of Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Miley Cyrus, and Post Malone. At the 2025 Grammy Awards, the album took home Best Country Album, along with Album of the Year. Additionally, Beyoncé won a Grammy for Best Duo/Group Country Performance for "Il Most Wanted" with Cyrus. This latest series of awards comes not long after the artist was named Top Female Country Artist at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs).

Who Decides What Artists Win at the Grammys?

The winners of the Grammy Awards are decided by Voting Members of the Recording Academy—the organization behind "Music's Biggest Night." The New York Times reports that the Grammys are voted on by thousands of music professionals, including performers, songwriters, producers, and others with credits on recordings. According to the Recording Academy, after nominations have been determined and announced, voting members vote in up to ten categories across up to three fields, voting only in those fields in which they are peers of the nominees. All voting members also vote in the four categories of the General Field to determine the winners.

WKDQ-FM logo
Get our free mobile app

Why Country Music Fans Can't Be Too Upset About Beyoncé's Big Night

Baltimore Ravens v Houston Texans
Getty Images/Alex Slitz
loading...

It’s important to note before going any further that the awards are not based on what fans, like you and me, think. As noted before, these awards are voted on by industry professionals. Obviously, Beyoncé's country music peers thought she was deserving of each award. Therefore, following Grammy rules, Beyoncé did, in fact, deserve each accolade, regardless of what you or I think. That said, I'm not immune to the frustration felt by many, so I feel it’s worth sharing how I personally would have voted.

How This Country Fan Would Have Voted at the 2025 Grammy Awards

If I were voting on these awards as a country music fan, I would not have voted for Beyoncé for either Best Country Album or Album of the Year. Rather, I would have selected Post Malone's F1 Trillion for both. (Sadly, Malone, who had eight total nominations during the 2025 Grammy Awards, claimed zero wins.) As for Beyoncé and Cyrus's award for Best Duo/Group Country Performance, I also think that should have gone to Post Malone and Morgan Wallen for "I Had Some Help." The song was a much bigger hit and seemed to garner more interest from country music fans.

Final Thoughts on Beyoncé's Country Grammy Success

Beyoncé is an incredibly talented artist, and one whom fans adore all over the world. I throw no shade whatsoever, despite what some might think about my opinion. After all, it's safe to say even she was a little shocked by the big announcement for Best Country Album. While I may not have chosen her for the aforementioned country music Grammys, the fact is, the majority of country music professionals did. As the age-old saying goes, "Don't hate the player, hate the game."

6 Country Stars Who Skipped the 2025 Grammy Awards

Beyoncé, Lainey Wilson, Shaboozey and Kacey Musgraves represented country music at the 2025 Grammy Awards on Sunday (Feb. 2). The six nominated artists listed below did not. It's a list that includes one winner and another of country's most perennial nominees.

Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes

2025 Grammy Awards Red Carpet — See Country Music's Best Dressed

Many of country music's top singers walked the red carpet at the 2025 Grammy Awards on Sunday (Feb. 2). This year's Grammys were dedicated to victims of the California wildfires. People are encouraged to donate to organizations like Music Cares to support the relief effort.

Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes

24 Country Stars With Their Own Bars + Restaurants

Of all of the side hustles country artists could partake in, opening a bar or restaurant is the most fitting — and very common. After all, many of these stars got their start on a barstool, tip jar nearby, playing their music for anyone who would listen.

These places feel like home for many of these singers. Over the years, several artists have gotten into the bar or restaurant game, and for a select few, brands have turned into franchises with several locations and/or concepts — we're looking at you, Jimmy Buffett!

Let's take a look at the country star food and entertainment venues that have opened over the years.

Gallery Credit: Jess

More From WKDQ-FM