Former Georgia football star turned viral country artist Gavin Adcock isn’t holding back when it comes to Beyoncé’s controversial foray into country music.
In a blunt take that’s lighting up social media, Adcock responded to Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter appearing on the Apple Music Country Album chart:
“I really don’t believe that [Beyoncé’s] album should be labeled as country music,” he told Country Central.
And he’s far from alone.
Fans and independent country artists alike have pushed back on the mainstream industry’s attempt to rebrand pop acts as country stars—especially when it sidelines the very artists who live and breathe the genre. Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter has been praised by legacy outlets, but many listeners are calling it little more than a corporate stunt, cloaked in country aesthetics but lacking the authenticity that real fans demand.
Adcock, known for his blue-collar anthems, tailgate tours, and unapologetically Southern vibe, embodies the gritty spirit of country music—something critics say Beyoncé’s glitzy rollout lacks.
The Apple Music chart controversy is just the latest flashpoint in the battle for country music’s soul. While the industry chases clout and clicks, artists like Gavin Adcock are reminding everyone what real country sounds like—and it doesn’t come with backup dancers and industry think pieces.
As the genre gets more political, and labels continue to erase conservative-leaning artists in favor of Hollywood-approved figures, Adcock’s stance is being seen as a line in the sand.
This ain’t about race. This ain’t about trends. This is about the truth. And as Adcock makes clear—country is earned, not assigned.
"Beyonce" by Ana Gremard is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
