Beyoncé faced a lot of criticism over her country album, Cowboy Carter. And country star Luke Bryan is among those people who didn’t appear to have nice things to say about it!
According to reports, the 48-year-old American Idol judge‘s harsh criticism of Beyoncé’s album has potentially “ended any chance” of her returning to the singing competition, which has angered the show’s bosses as they were relying on a potential future guest appearance to boost ratings.
What Did Luke Bryan Say About Beyoncé's Country Album?
The "One Margarita" singer, who is hosting the CMA Awards with Peyton Manning and Lainey Wilson on November 20th, made some comments about Beyoncé on SiriusXM's Andy Cohen Live on October 1st. Cowboy Carter was controversially snubbed by the Country Music Association and received zero nominations for this year's awards, and Bryan seemingly defended the association's decision while speaking on the show.
"Obviously Beyoncé made a country album. And Beyoncé has a lot of fans out there that have her back, and if she doesn't get something they want, man, they come at you… as fans should do," Bryan said on the show.
"I mean, listen, I'm all for everybody coming in and making country albums and all that," he continued. "But just by declaring that, just because she made one… a lot of great music's overlooked. Sometimes you don't get nominated."
"If you're going to make country albums, come into our world and be country with us a little bit," the "Country Girl" musician said, adding: "I'm all for everybody coming in and making country albums. But a lot of things don't get nominated."
"Everybody loved that Beyoncé made a country album. Nobody's mad about it," he went on. "But where things get a little tricky and, and you know – if you're gonna make country albums, come into our world and be country with us a little bit."
Bryan concluded: "Beyoncé can do exactly what she wants to. She's probably the biggest star in music. But come to an awards show and high-five us and have fun and get in the family too. Country music's a lot about family."
'American Idol' Bosses Are Furious Luke Bryan's Criticism Could Mean That Beyoncé Will Refuse To Appear On The Show
A source reportedly told Life & Style that the show's bosses had still hoped that the 43-year-old "Texas Hold'em" singer might potentially return for a guest appearance if their ratings plummet, but it's now very unlikely given his criticism.
"They would give their eye teeth to get Beyoncé back on the show as a performer and mentor. Ratings were in the tank last season, and Beyoncé brings a fan base who will watch her," said the insider.
"But Luke calling her out pretty much ended any chance of getting her back on Idol. Beyoncé doesn't go where she doesn't feel wanted!" they added.
Luke Bryan Clears Up His Comments On Social Media
Bryan took to X following his interview on Andy Cohen Live to clear a few things up.
"I am posting tonight based on the ridiculous nature of the headlines I have read the last couple days… I feel in my heart I could not let media create a false narrative," he wrote on the platform, and then encouraged his fans to "listen to the interview" in full for complete context.
"You will hear my tone and intentions which were not negative. I respect Beyoncé and I love how loyal her fans are," he said, adding: "I spend a lot of time supporting other artists. I want everyone to win. Love yall."
