Overview

• At a June 30 concert, Adcock declared Cowboy Carter “ain’t country music” after it reached No. 3 on Apple Music’s country albums chart ahead of his new record.
• In posts on Instagram and X on July 1–2, he defended his stance by arguing that veteran country artists shouldn’t have to compete with Beyoncé’s star power.
• Cowboy Carter continues its commercial dominance, topping the Billboard 200 twice, leading Top Country Albums for four weeks and winning Album of the Year and Best Country Album at the 2025 Grammys.
• Beyoncé presses on with her Cowboy Carter tour, celebrating collaborations with country legends and rising Black artists while her album’s influence remains secure.
• The clash has reignited debates over genre gatekeeping, the boundaries of country music and questions of inclusion and authenticity in the industry.