Kacey Musgraves is setting the record straight after facing online criticism for her alleged reaction to Beyoncé’s win at the 2025 Grammy Awards. The country music star has responded to the backlash, dismissing claims that her expression during Beyoncé’s victory in the Best Country Album category was negative or resentful. Musgraves is making it clear that any suggestion of conflict between herself and Beyoncé is nothing more than a “sensationalistic false narrative.”
Musgraves Defends Herself Amid Speculation
In an official statement issued by her representatives, Musgraves, 36, addressed the growing rumors that her facial expression during Beyoncé’s win suggested any ill feelings. “There was no scowl, no negative reaction,” the statement read. “It’s a sensationalistic false narrative meant to pit two talented female artists against each other. I have nothing but respect for Beyoncé’s achievement.”
The controversy ignited after cameras captured Musgraves clapping for Beyoncé when her album Cowboy Carter won multiple Grammy Awards, including Best Country Album. Some viewers on social media speculated that Musgraves appeared “pissed” or upset, particularly because her own album, Deeper Well, was also nominated in the same category. The speculation continued when others suggested that fellow nominee Lainey Wilson was also displeased by the outcome. However, both Musgraves and Wilson have since debunked these rumors, showing their full support for Beyoncé.
Musgraves’ Longstanding Support for Beyoncé
Kacey Musgraves had expressed her appreciation for Beyoncé’s entry into the country genre long before the 2025 Grammys. In an interview with The Cut in March 2024, Musgraves spoke positively about artists like Beyoncé who were expanding the boundaries of country music. “The more the f—ing merrier,” she said, adding that Beyoncé’s country crossover didn’t diminish her own work but rather made the genre more exciting. “It’s just fun to watch,” Musgraves had remarked, highlighting her openness to new contributions to country music.
Similarly, Lainey Wilson, who was also nominated for Best Country Album at the 2025 Grammys, praised the impact of crossover artists like Beyoncé and Post Malone. In an interview with NME shortly before the ceremony, Wilson explained, “So many people are finding out that they love country music who didn’t know they liked it at all. Artists like Post and Beyoncé are introducing their audiences to this kind of music, and it’s only done good things for the genre. It’s cool to see.”
A Night of Wins for Both Artists
The 2025 Grammy Awards turned out to be a night of major accomplishments for both Beyoncé and Musgraves. Beyoncé took home three Grammys, including her first-ever Album of the Year win, while Musgraves won Best Country Song for her track “The Architect.” Despite the speculation surrounding the Best Country Album category, both artists emerged as clear winners in their respective fields, further cementing their roles in reshaping the music landscape.
Solidarity in the Evolving Genre
The speculation about Musgraves’ reaction during the Grammys ceremony underscores the ongoing conversations about race and genre in the music industry. Country music, historically associated with a predominantly white audience, has been undergoing significant transformation in recent years, with artists like Beyoncé and Post Malone helping to diversify the genre. However, Musgraves and Wilson have both been vocal in their support for these changes, recognizing the positive impact of crossover artists on the genre’s growth and visibility.
In their responses to the rumors, Musgraves and Wilson have shown a solidarity that transcends competition. Their shared respect for Beyoncé’s success, despite differing opinions on award outcomes, reflects a growing camaraderie among country artists, embracing the changes that are shaping the genre’s future.
