At the Academy of Country Music Awards red carpet, 26-year-old emerging star Mickey Guyton expressed her sincere gratitude for Beyoncé's decision to include Black artists on her latest album, "Cowboy Carter."
"Many people simply don't realize the long history and significant contributions of Black artists to country music," Guyton stated. "It's incredible that it took Beyoncé's recognition to truly elevate us and bring our presence to the forefront on a larger scale."
Guyton, who exploded onto the scene in 2020 with her viral cover of Carrie Underwood's "Drinking Alone," acknowledged the strides and successes Black artists have achieved independently. However, she emphasizes the undeniable impact Beyoncé has had in propelling Black voices in country music beyond genre boundaries and into the mainstream spotlight.
"While we've been paving our own way, Beyoncé's support has been instrumental," Guyton elaborated. "It's opened doors and brought us to the attention of a wider audience, which is absolutely crucial for expanding recognition and appreciation."
One of several Black artists featured on "Cowboy Carter," Roberts lent her vocals to the track "Blackbird," sharing the spotlight with Beyoncé, Brittney Spencer, Tanner Adell, and Tiera Kennedy. The album also boasts collaborations with country legends like Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson, alongside contemporary stars like Miley Cyrus and Post Malone.
This collaboration proved life-changing for Guyton. "Being featured on 'Cowboy Carter' has led to incredible opportunities," she shared. "This album marks my debut on the Hot 100 chart – something I can't say would've happened without Beyoncé's influence."
Despite Beyoncé's absence at the ACMs, her influence on the genre remains undeniable. She shattered barriers by becoming the first Black woman to achieve a No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart with "Texas Hold 'Em" and a No. 1 country album.
Motivated by a personal experience of exclusion within the industry years ago, Beyoncé embraced her exploration of country music and its rich, diverse history. "It stemmed from an experience where I didn't feel accepted," she shared via Instagram. "But that encounter ignited a passion within me to delve deeper into the genre's heritage and celebrate its artistic tapestry."