Photo Credit: Utah Congressman Burgess Owens / Nicholas Ballasy’s YouTube
Republican Congressman Burgess Owens, the only Black member of Utah’s delegation, says Beyoncé’s Best Country Album Grammy win is the result of DEI.
When interviewed by video journalist Nicholas Ballasy about Beyoncé’s historic win at this year’s Grammy Awards, Utah Congressman Owens said the artist should never have won Best Country Album. “I think that’s the closest thing to DEI we’re going to see right now,” said Owens.
The Utah delegate added that he isn’t a fan of country music and is basing his opinions solely on the backlash he’s seen from fans of the genre.
“You put all that hard work to develop your fanbase, you go out there, you work to develop a reputation, and all of a sudden somebody else comes out of the blue — because she’s popular in something else — and she gets the best,” Owens explained. “Nobody respects that. And unfortunately, because of that, Beyoncé will not be respected by that core group of people that she’s now singing.”
Owens further compared the “fairness” of the Black superstar’s country music win to transgender women playing women’s sports.
It bears mentioning that Owens did not say which album he felt deserved to win Best Country Album, although he did say he doesn’t listen to the genre. The Salt Lake Tribune reached out to Owens’ team for a statement explaining how Beyoncé’s win was an example of DEI (Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion), but a spokesperson did not respond in time for press.
“I think sometimes genre is a codeword to keep us in our place as artists,” said Beyoncé during her acceptance speech for Best Country Album on February 2. “I just want to encourage people to do what they’re passionate about and to stay persistent.”
Notably, numerous established country artists are featured on Cowboy Carter, including legends Dolly Parton, Linda Martell, and Willie Nelson. It also features rising stars in the genre, like Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy, Reyna Roberts, Shaboozey, and Willie Jones. Beyoncé is also gearing up for the first dates of her upcoming tour in support of Cowboy Carter.