Billy Ray Cyrus Weighs in on Beyoncé Being Shut Out of 2024 CMA Awards: 'Surprised' But 'She Doesn't Need a Trophy'

Mar. 15, 2025

Billy Ray Cyrus; Beyoncé in August 2023.Photo:Katherine Bomboy/NBC via Getty; Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Katherine Bomboy/NBC via Getty; Kevin Mazur/WireImage

In light of country music’s biggest night,Billy Ray Cyrusis sharing his thoughts onBeyoncé’s snub.

On Wednesday, Nov. 20, the “Achy Breaky Heart” musician took toInstagramto congratulate all the 2024CMA Awardsnominees and simultaneously shared he was “surprised” to see that the “Cuff It” singer wasn’t nominated.

“I’m so happy and proud to see country music opening their doors and format to be inclusive to all people, all styles.@lilnasxand I won this award in 2019 for Event Of The Year… but you wouldn’t have seen it because they didn’t air it in the show,” Cyrus, 63, wrote.

“I was surprised to see@beyoncewasn’t nominated??? Her album was brilliant… her single ruled,” Cyrus wrote. “But she knows that. She doesn’t need a trophy from the CMA… or permission …. or approval from any of their judges.”

At the time, he said he felt a “false narrative” was being spread and encouraged fans to listen to the full interview for context.

“You will hear my tone and intentions which were not negative. I respect Beyonce and I love how loyal her fans are,” Bryan, 48, wrote onX (formerly Twitter)on Oct. 6. “I spend a lot of time supporting other artists. I want everyone to win. Love y’all.”

Kelly Clarksonsaid she found the snub “fascinating because I feel like those songs were everywhere.”

Beyoncé in April 2024.Kevin Mazur/Getty

Kevin Mazur/Getty

“That’s a hard industry, even for me,” Clarkson, 42, added of country music. “I was told at a lunch if I didn’t quit pop music and just go country, I would not be played.

Nominations for the 58th annual CMA Awards were unveiled on Sept. 6, withMorgan Wallenleading the pack with seven total nods.Chris StapletonandCody Johnsonfollowed closely behind with five nominations, plusPost MaloneandLainey Wilson, who nabbed four each.

The 58th Annual CMA Awards airs on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

source: people.com