Beyoncé could become first Black woman nominated for album of the year at CMA Awards
The 58th Country Music Association Awards are approaching, and Beyoncé Knowles Carter could be the first Black woman to be nominated for album of the year, thanks to her latest work "Cowboy Carter."
The CMA Awards are considered one of the most prestigious awards in the country music industry. This year the awards will air live Nov. 20 from Bridgestone Arena in the country music capital, Nashville. Nominations will be revealed this month.
Fans are wondering if Beyoncé will reach another milestone and make history as the first Black woman to be nominated for album of the year.
Why fans are eyeing 'Cowboy Carter' for album of the year
As fans know, the superstar released her eighth studio album "Cowboy Carter" on March 29 and has since made history and broken multiple records. Undeniably, Beyoncé has been a huge catalyst for the recent spotlight on Black country artists and the genre's roots.
Moreover, her leading singles "Texas Hold 'Em" and "16 Carriages" received immediate praise from fans and country music legends like Dolly Parton. As did the full project once it was released. Beyoncé recently became the most nominated artist at the 2024 People's Choice Country Awards with 12 nods, thanks to the album.
Last year, Lainey Wilson was the leading nominee of the CMA Awards, receiving a total of nine nods. She wound up scoring the top prize, entertainer of the year, as well as album of the year for her album "Bell Bottom Country." She also took home female vocalist of the year and a pair of preshow prizes for her song with HARDY, “wait in the truck.”
Last year also saw the first time in history a Black woman won a CMA Award.
Tracy Chapman, the first Black woman to win a CMA Award
Thirty-five years after she debuted her hit "Fast Car," Tracy Chapman nabbed a CMA Award when country star Luke Combs' cover of the song won song of the year at the 2023 ceremony.
Given that it is a cover song, the award went to the writer of the winning song. However, Combs did take home a trophy for the tune when the song won single of the year — an award that goes to the performer. Combs' rendition of the song was released on his 2023 album "Gettin' Old."
Music legend Charley Pride was the first Black artist to win a CMA Award. The three-time winner earned his first nominations, entertainer of the year and male vocalist of the year, in 1968. He won both in 1971, becoming the first Black artist to win in both categories.
This year's nominees will be announced Sep. 9. Stay tuned, Beyhive.
Follow Caché McClay, the USA TODAY Network's Beyoncé Knowles-Carter reporter, on Instagram, TikTok and X as @cachemcclay.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Beyonce may be first Black woman to get CMA Awards nod for album of year
