Beyoncé's 'Cowboy Carter' album inspired new generation of country fans, study says

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter is not only reinvigorating the conversation around Black artists and country music with her new album, "Cowboy Carter,"; she's also inspiring young listeners to venture deeper into country music, according to a new study.

SeatGeek, a popular ticketing technology platform, surveyed 3,300 music fans to explore the most anticipated country tours and favorite artists of the summer. The study also examined the influence Beyoncé’s new music has had on a new generation of fans.

According to its findings, more than one-third of Gen Z respondents (ages 18-27) have explored country music and other country artists as a direct result of Beyoncé’s "Act II" project.

The study also revealed 23% of country music fans were counting down the days for the album's release.

“Beyoncé's impact on country music has been revolutionary, introducing a whole new demographic of fans to its beauty and depth — all while reshaping the perception of what country can be,” said Kendyl Dunn, leader of entertainment strategy at SeatGeek, in a news release.

"Beyoncé’s trail-blazing achievements reflect not just her talent but also her ability to bend and blend genres, setting her apart as a true musical icon.”

As fans know, Beyoncé first announced the new project during a surprise Super Bowl commercial on Feb. 11 just before releasing her first two singles "16 Carriages" and "Texas Hold 'Em." The two songs instantly broke the internet. And, "Cowboy Carter," also took the internet by storm once it was released March 29.

Prior to the release of the full project, Beyoncé opened up about her experience in the music industry and creating the album.

In a post on Instagram she wrote: "This album has been over five years in the making. It was born out of an experience that I had years ago where I did not feel welcomed…and it was very clear that I wasn’t. But, because of that experience, I did a deeper dive into the history of Country music and studied our rich musical archive."

"It feels good to see how music can unite so many people around the world, while also amplifying the voices of some of the people who have dedicated so much of their lives educating on our musical history," she wrote. "The criticisms I faced when I first entered this genre forced me to propel past the limitations that were put on me. Act ii is a result of challenging myself and taking my time to bend and blend genres together to create this body of work."

Not only did the album make history and break multiple records, but she he also put a spotlight on emerging Black country artists and paid homage to the legends who have cone before her in the space. Moreover, her music has already boosted many industries, from fashion and beyond.

It's clear the of the impact of the album surpasses specific genres and generations.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Beyonce's 'Cowboy Carter' album resulted in more Gen Z country fans