Beyoncé Shares the Painful Reason Why She Chose to Make ‘Act II: Cowboy Carter’
The best art, after all, is often born from the most uncomfortable places.
![Beyonce](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/acxukJwm9NeFacQrLhJNbM-415-80.jpg)
We are officially 10 days out from the March 29 release of Beyoncé’s latest album, Act II: Cowboy Carter, which takes us on a country music joyride if the first two tracks off of the offering, “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages,” are any indication.
But, as Beyoncé revealed on Instagram today, making Cowboy Carter actually stemmed from a place of pain—from not feeling “welcomed” in country music. “I feel honored to be the first Black woman with the number one single on the Hot Country Songs chart,” she wrote. “That would not have happened without the outpouring of support from each and every one of you. My hope is that years from now, the mention of an artist’s race, as it relates to releasing genres of music, will be irrelevant.”
A post shared by Beyoncé (@beyonce)
A photo posted by on
She added that the album has been in the making for over five years and was born from an experience where she “did not feel welcomed” after she first tried to enter the country music space: “It was very clear that I wasn’t [welcomed],” Beyoncé wrote. “But, because of that experience, I did a deeper dive into the history of Country music and studied our rich musical archive. It feels good to see how music can unite so many people around the world, while also amplifying the voices of some of the people who have dedicated so much of their lives educating on our musical history.”
She continued “This genre forced me to propel past the limitations that were put on me. act ii is a result of challenging myself, and taking my time to bend and blend genres together to create this body of work.”
Beyoncé teased her next act at the 2024 Grammys last month
Country music icon Dolly Parton recently defended Beyoncé—and even teased a possible “Jolene” cover on her new record, referencing one of Parton’s many hits. (Parton said she “heard” and “thinks” and “hopes” rumors of the “Jolene” cover are true.) “A lot of people don’t realize Beyoncé is a country girl,” Parton told Knox News. “She’s from Texas. I think we belong wherever we can do good, and her song is No. 1 across every chart in the whole world, I think. So, I mean, who can ignore that?”
Later in February, at the Super Bowl, she revealed the release date of "Act II," and dropped singles "Texas Hold 'Em" and "16 Carriages"
Beyoncé said that she had the chance to collaborate with “brilliant” artists who she respects, and even teased a few surprises on Cowboy Carter. “I hope this music is an experience, creating another journey where you can close your eyes, start from the beginning and never stop,” she wrote. And make no mistake about it: “This ain’t a Country album,” she concluded. “This is a Beyoncé album.”
We’ll hear it all for ourselves on March 29. Ten days, people. Ten days!
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Rachel Burchfield is a writer, editor, and podcaster whose primary interests are fashion and beauty, society and culture, and, most especially, the British Royal Family and other royal families around the world. She serves as Marie Claire’s Senior Celebrity and Royals Editor and has also contributed to publications like Allure, Cosmopolitan, Elle, Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle, People, Vanity Fair, Vogue, and W, among others. Before taking on her current role with Marie Claire, Rachel served as its Weekend Editor and later Royals Editor. She is the cohost of Podcast Royal, a show that was named a top five royal podcast by The New York Times. A voracious reader and lover of books, Rachel also hosts I’d Rather Be Reading, which spotlights the best current nonfiction books hitting the market and interviews the authors of them. Rachel frequently appears as a media commentator, and she or her work has appeared on outlets like NBC’s Today Show, ABC’s Good Morning America, CNN, and more.
-
Our Complete Quiet Luxury Shopping Guide
30 quality closet classics that always have—and always will—endure.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Kaia Gerber and Cindy Crawford Medal in Mother-Daughter Olympic Matching
The pair touched down in Paris wearing coordinating navy looks.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
Prince Harry Reveals Royal Family Rift Was Worsened by Tabloids
"Yeah, that’s certainly a central piece to it."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Tina Knowles Shares That Her Daughter Solange Was Conceived on the Nile River in Egypt
Had she been a boy, her name would have paid direct homage to the place of her conception.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Beyoncé's Name Is Being Added to French Dictionary
Next-level stardom right there.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Beyoncé Was "A Mom First" Working With Daughter Blue Ivy Carter on 'Mufasa'
This will be the pre-teen's movie debut.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
After a Toddler Named Tyler Says “Beyoncé Is My Friend” In a Viral TikTok, She Reaches Out with Flowers, Gifts, and a Confirmation of Their Friendship
“I see your halo, Tyler.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Courtney Love Says Taylor Swift Is "Not Important" and "Not Interesting as an Artist"
Wow, saying that is... a choice.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Dolly Parton—Er, “Dolly P”—Gives Her Stamp of Approval to Beyoncé’s Cover of ‘Jolene’
The country music legend has wanted Bey to cover her classic song for years.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Beyoncé Considers ‘Cowboy Carter’ “The Best Music I’ve Ever Made”
Interestingly, the 27-track album was supposed to come out before ‘Renaissance,’ but was delayed for a very specific reason.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Miley Cyrus Says Beyoncé Is "Everything" After 'Cowboy Carter' Collab
"My admiration runs so much deeper now."
By Meghan De Maria Published