Beyoncé’s win for Best Country Album at the 2025 Grammy Awards has sparked controversy and debate. Fox News critic Raymond Arroyo expressed his disapproval of the win during an appearance on “The Ingraham Angle.”
Beyoncé via Instagram:
"Come back and F up the pen."#GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/RiSr3ZeE9X
— BEYONCÉ LEGION ???? (@BeyLegion) February 5, 2025
Whoopi Goldberg, however, came to Beyoncé’s defense on Tuesday morning. She dismissed Arroyo’s claim that the award was won without merit.
Beyoncé with Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys, and Taylor Swift. ❤️#GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/x2wwaSWX0c
— BEYONCÉ LEGION ???? (@BeyLegion) February 5, 2025
“You want to hold on to country music like white people didn’t also buy her country album. Come on, man!” Goldberg said. She emphasized that Grammy voters are industry professionals, making it impossible for unqualified individuals to influence the outcomes.
Congratulations to all of the #SagAftraMember recording artists who won at the 2025 #GRAMMYs! ???????? What was your favorite moment from the show? https://t.co/YE1Kdceqs0
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) February 3, 2025
Goldberg also noted the evolution of the Grammys since 1959, with the number of award categories now totaling 94.
Controversy over Grammy country win
“Sometimes you win, sometimes you don’t.
Same with the Oscars. Sit down!” Goldberg said. “Music does not have the issues you have.
Music is about the people.”
“Cowboy Carter,” released in March 2024, achieved commercial success and shone a spotlight on Black artists in the country music genre. Beyoncé has openly discussed her initial struggles with feeling welcomed in the country music scene and has celebrated the success of her album on the top of country music charts. Goldberg’s defense underscores the broader conversations about diversity and recognition in the music and entertainment industries.
It reaffirms Beyoncé’s well-earned success and contributions to the music world.
