A viral TikTok video featuring an Indiana State University student making racially-charged comments in response to Beyoncé’s new country music-inspired album, Cowboy Carter, has sparked controversy. In the video, the student questioned Beyoncé’s eligibility in country music due to her race and slavery, causing outrage. ISU President Deborah J. Curtis condemned the student’s comments in a statement, emphasizing that racism, hate speech, and discrimination are unacceptable and do not align with the university’s values. The student’s current status at ISU has not been disclosed, and efforts to prioritize student well-being and safety were made by the university.
Despite the controversy surrounding the student’s comments, Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter has achieved significant success, becoming the biggest opening week album of 2024 in the U.S. The album debuted with 407,000 equivalent album units, with impressive sales figures from streaming, traditional album sales, and track equivalent albums. This success marked the best sales week for a country album since Taylor Swift’s Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) in 2023 and Beyoncé’s biggest streaming week ever. Cowboy Carter broke records on platforms such as Spotify, where it was streamed 76.5 million times on its first day of release, making it the most listened-to new album of the year.
The decision to create an album inspired by country music stemmed from Beyoncé’s past experiences of not feeling welcomed in the country music community. She explained that the album was in the making for over five years and was motivated by an incident where she did not feel accepted. Beyoncé’s performance with The Chicks at the Country Music Association Awards in 2016 and her song “Daddy Lessons” from the album Lemonade were met with criticism, prompting her to address the lack of inclusivity in the genre. Cowboy Carter is a part of a three-part project by Beyoncé, with each act exploring different themes and musical styles.
In response to the racially-charged video made by the ISU student, various groups, including the Indiana State University NAACP Executive Committee and the African Student Union, have issued statements condemning the comments and calling for disciplinary action. The university emphasized its commitment to ensuring a welcoming environment for everyone and took the incident seriously. While the identity of the student in the video has not been disclosed publicly, the university stated that privacy, due process, and legal guidelines prevented them from sharing further details regarding the situation.
Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter features collaborations with notable artists such as Dolly Parton, Miley Cyrus, Post Malone, and Willie Nelson, and includes covers of classic songs like The Beatles’ “Blackbird” and Parton’s “Jolene.” The album’s success reflects Beyoncé’s ability to blend genres and push boundaries in her music. Despite facing challenges and criticism, Beyoncé continues to make an impact with her artistry and storytelling. Cowboy Carter serves as a reminder of the power of music to bridge divides and create meaningful connections, even in the face of adversity.
