Billy Ray Cyrus defends Beyonce amid CMA awards

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The country music star defended Beyoncé on social media after her “Cowboy Carter” album was not recognized.

Ahead of the 2024 CMA Awards, Billy Ray Cyrus weighs in on Beyoncé’s snub at the country music award.

In one Instagram posts On Wednesday, the country music star congratulated the nominated artists and defended Beyoncé, who didn’t get a CMA nod for her Grammy-nominated “Cowboy Carter” album.

The CMAs are considered one of the most prestigious awards in the country music industry, and fans suspected that this year the megastar would be the first black woman to be nominated and win album of the year for her groundbreaking and culture-changing project.

Cyrus and Lil Nas X won a 2019 CMA Award for Event of the Year for their massive hit “Old Town Road,” which Cyrus pointed out was not part of the telecast, but he hoped this year would be different.

“I’m so happy and proud to see country music open its doors and format to be inclusive of all people, all styles,” his post read.

Beyoncé and the CMAs: Singer declined no nominations for ‘Cowboy Carter’

He went on to say: “I was surprised to see @beyonce wasn’t nominated??? Her album was brilliant … her single ruled. But she knows it. She doesn’t need a trophy from CMA … or permission …. or the approval of any of their referees “When you knock them out… you don’t need a referee.” – Muhammad Ali.

The 58th Annual CMA Awards airs tonight at 20 ET on ABC.

Contributor: Caché McClay, USA TODAY Network