A year with Beyoncé's 'Cowboy Carter': A look back at top moments on album's anniversary
AI-assisted summary
Beyoncé's album "Cowboy Carter" was released a year ago to critical acclaim and commercial success
The album broke numerous records and won the Grammy for album of the year
"Cowboy Carter" also sparked a conversation about Black artists in country music and the genre's roots
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter released her eighth studio album "Cowboy Carter" a year ago, and it has proved groundbreaking in more ways than one.
The megastar first released the 27-track project March 29, 2024. As Beyoncé's first country album, she made sure to feature country legends such as Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson and country music pioneer Linda Martell. She also collaborated with crossover artists such as Miley Cyrus and Post Malone, as well as emerging Black country artists such as Shaboozey, Willie Jones, Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Reyna Roberts and Tiera Kennedy.
The album became a catalyst for the renewed spotlight on Black country artists and the genre's Black roots. "Cowboy Carter" has challenged music industry norms and sparked important conversations pertaining to the intersection of race and country music.
On the one-year anniversary of "Cowboy Carter," here's a look back at 19 significant moments from its trailblazing year.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
The Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin' Circuit Tour will kick off April 28 in Los Angeles. Since the initial announcement, Beyoncé has added a handful of shows including final shows in Las Vegas.
Follow Caché McClay, the USA TODAY Network's Beyoncé Knowles-Carter reporter, on Instagram, TikTok and X as @cachemcclay.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Black America Web
37 minutes ago
- Black America Web
8 Black Celebrity Girl Dads
Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty The love that black men offer their daughters rewrites a long-standing negative narrative. For generations, media and society have tried to erase or distort the image of Black fatherhood, painting it with broad strokes of absenteeism and dysfunction. But the truth the one we know in our homes, our hearts, and our healing, is that Black fathers are here. And when they are intentional about fathering their daughters, something revolutionary happens. There's something sacred about being a Black girl raised by a loving Black father or father figures. It's in the way he says your name, nickname or personal pet name like it's a prayer. The way he shows up—at games, recitals, graduations, or just when the world is too heavy and you need to lay your head on the only shoulder that has always felt safe. It's in the intentional love, the protection without control, the belief in your brilliance long before you see it in yourself. This is the power of being a Black celebrity girl dad. Black Celebrity Girl Dads In a world that too often undermines the humanity of Black women and misrepresents Black men, the relationship between a Black father and his daughter stands as an undeniable testament to resilience, tenderness, and transformation. It is proof that Black men are not only present, but pivotal—and that their love can serve as the foundation for Black women's confidence, emotional intelligence, and self-worth. MUST SEE: Celebrate Father's Day With A Gallery Of Black Celebrity Father-Son Duos We Adore Although Black celebrity girl dads attempt to live privately the love they have for their children isn't —it's modeled in public, too. Over the years, we've seen an outpouring of love and vulnerability from Black celebrity fathers who proudly carry the title of 'girl dad.' Their visibility disrupts stereotypes and affirms to the world that Black fatherhood is soft, strong, and sacred. These men are raising daughters with intention—and letting us see it. 8 Black Celebrity Girl Dads was originally published on Source:Getty Jamie Foxx is more than an Oscar-winning actor and chart-topping singer—he's a girl dad through and through. Behind the bright lights and bold performances is a Black man raising two beautiful Black daughters with intention, presence, and love. Jamie has been open about how fatherhood changed him, grounding him in ways that fame never could. Source:Getty Beyond the music, Jay-Z's evolution as a father to Blue Ivy and the twins has shown a growth in vulnerability, Black fatherhood, and generational healing. Source:Getty The actor's relationship with his daughter Isan is full of love, respect, and cultural pride, showcasing the beauty of father-daughter evolution over time. Source:Getty Will's bond with Willow is grounded in deep emotional honesty. He's spoken openly about learning to listen and love without control. Source:Getty A dedicated father to his daughters Zaya and Kaavia, Dwyane has been especially vocal and affirming in supporting Zaya as a trans girl, showing what unconditional love looks like. Source:Getty Though often spotlighted for his sons, LeBron's love for his daughter Zhuri is radiant. He uplifts her voice, protects her joy, and models the value of emotional presence. Source:Getty As the father of Sasha and Malia, President Obama showed us what balance, wisdom, and grace look like. His presence in their lives has helped shape two brilliant young Black women. Source:Getty His close friendship with daughter Zoë is an example of raising a creative, independent Black woman while remaining her biggest cheerleader. Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Black America Web
37 minutes ago
- Black America Web
Chrisette Michele Opens Up About Autism Diagnosis: My Life Finally Makes Sense'
Source: Paras Griffin / Getty Chrisette Michele is opening up like never before. The Grammy-winning R&B vocalist, known for her soul-stirring voice and thoughtful artistry, recently revealed that she has been diagnosed with autism. In a moving social media posts, Chrisette shared, 'I just learned I'm autistic. Official diagnosis.' She added , ''They used the word 'Severely.'' The 42-year-old performer, who has been back on stage and reconnecting with audiences, explained that the diagnosis has helped her better understand how she sees and experiences the world. This is major. 'Singing… but learning to strip the mask. One show at a time (the irony). Just… coming to grips with a lot and giving myself room to take it all in,' she wrote. 'My life and its challenges finally make sense. So, so much sense.' While Chrisette has largely kept a low profile in recent years, many still remember the backlash she faced after agreeing to perform at Donald Trump's 2017 presidential inauguration. This decision sparked public criticism, reportedly led to her being dropped by her label, and caused strain. That chapter marked a turning point in her public and professional life. In sharing this diagnosis, Chrisette seems to be entering yet another turning sharing the news, Chrisette's comments sections have become a space of love, solidarity, and emotional connection. One fan reminded her, 'That don't mean nothing. We still love you—all of you—and that won't change. God can still use you and still is, to change the world. Now you just got something else to write about to help more people.' Another simply wrote, 'We love you.' Others expressed appreciation for her honesty, applauding her transparency. One supporter wrote, 'It gives people hope to see that in spite of, you can still have high quality in life; you don't have to hide behind it but you can actually live—and that's what people need to see. YOU ARE A GEM .' Some commenters also shared their own diagnoses, welcoming her into a broader neurodivergent community: 'Welcome to the severely neurodivergent club. You will find your space among us.' Source: Earl Gibson/BET / Getty Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects how people communicate, relate socially, and process the world around them. But for far too long, Black women have been left out of the broader conversation about neurodivergence. According to research from the National Autism Association and studies cited by Autism in Black, Black children are typically diagnosed with autism three years later than white children. And when it comes to Black girls and women, many are misdiagnosed or overlooked altogether due to masking – the act of suppressing natural behaviors in order to fit in socially. The 'Best of Me' singer's reflections on 'stripping the mask' speak directly to what so many Black women experience daily. Whether in the workplace, at home, or onstage, many of us are taught to shrink, adjust, and code-switch to be accepted. And this is true whether diagnosed with autism or not. Her words give voice to a truth that too often goes unspoken. Chrisette's announcement is more than a health update—it's a powerful moment of awareness and visibility. Her story reminds us that autism isn't always (or only) diagnosed in childhood. Nor does it always look like what mainstream media portrays. That's why stories like Chrisette's are so important. She ended her posts with a note of more revelations coming later. 'I'll talk more soon,' Chrisette wrote. 'Just wanted to say hi… from stage side.' SEE ALSO Chrisette Michele Opens Up About Autism Diagnosis: My Life Finally Makes Sense' was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
USA Today
2 hours ago
- USA Today
Beyoncé gets emotional, gives London fans a heartfelt closer: 'I don't want to go home'
Beyoncé gets emotional, gives London fans a heartfelt closer: 'I don't want to go home' Beyoncé-Knowles-Carter wrapped the U.K. leg of her "Cowboy Carter" tour with a heartfelt sendoff in London, delivering an emotional yet electric performance during her final show in the city. The Grammy-winning singer kicked off her June 16 show at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at 7:43 p.m local time. The show marked her final concert on her six-show stint at the stadium on her Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin' Circuit Tour. Her next stop will be in Paris, where she is set to take the French stage for three nights on June 19, 21 and 22. "London, I'm so happy to be standing on the stage tonight. I see so many familiar faces," Beyoncé said as she opened the show. "We're going to have us a good time. I love you. I love you. I love you so deep." Beyoncé's warm energy radiated throughout the entire show. In addition to the high-powered performances she brought to the stage, there were many moments of heartfelt gratitude and raw emotion. Before singing her 2008 hit, "If I Were a Boy," Beyoncé appeared emotional, pausing for several moments as she soaked in the love from the roaring crowd. "I don't want to go home," she said "Thank you, London. We've been having such great shows here. Thank y'all so much." beyoncé nearly in tears as she receives a standing ovation from london😭🥹 — 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗻𝘆🫧💚 (@beyoncegarden) June 16, 2025 At another point the "Ya Ya" singer told fans, "Oh my goodness. Ya'll are beautiful." During the concert, she blew a kiss after forming a heart with her hands for the roaring crowd. And that energy seemed to be an equal transfer to and from fans. "I'm just happy to be witnessing this. I feel like you can see and feel her energy as well," said London native Agathe Halter, who attended her first Beyoncé concert ever during Monday's show. "I never thought I'd see her in my life. It's incredible." Like Beyoncé, fans were feeling emotional throughout the night. "I cried a couple times. I think she's the first person I've had a CD from. I listen to her every single day of my life," said longtime fan and London native Malika Hamzaa. As fans know, Beyoncé first debuted her "Cowboy Carter" tour at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on April 28 with 39 songs on the set list. Her shows have been filled with family, fashion, different music genres, and most notably country music and cultural commentary. And Saturday's concert was no different as she debuted more fashionable new looks and delivered another high-powered performance. "It was amazing. It was my daughter's birthday and it was phenomenal. I'm not joking it was worth every penny. I danced the whole night. Beyoncé shut it down," said Kyliyaah Thomas who was celebrating her daughter's 15th birthday. The London shows have been filled with new looks and some even saw new additions to her set list, including fan-favorites "Energy" and "Break My Soul" from her 2022 album "Renaissance." Of course, that also meant some fans attending her shows in London had the opportunity to do — and win, per Beyoncé — the "Mute Challenge." As she closed out Monday's concert, she sang "London, you're beautiful" to the tune of her 2008 song "That's Why You're Beautiful." And if it wasn't already clear, before leaving the Tottenham Stadium stage for the last time on this tour, she told the crowd, "I'm really going to miss you, London." Follow Caché McClay, the USA TODAY Network's Beyoncé Knowles-Carter reporter, on Instagram, TikTok and X as @cachemcclay.
