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| Credit: Beyoncé/Instagram |
Beyoncé's foray into the world of country music has been met with both applause and controversy, as an Oklahoma radio station faces backlash for its decision not to air her latest singles.
Despite the widespread acclaim for Beyoncé's new country tracks, 'Texas Hold ‘Em' and '16 Carriages,' some fervent country music fans have raised objections.
An Oklahoma radio station found itself at the center of a social media storm after a listener disclosed that the station's DJs were declining to play Beyoncé's music.
I requested Texas Hold ‘Em at my local country radio station (KYKC) and after requesting, i received an email from the radio station stating “We do not play Beyoncé on KYKC as we are a country music station. @BeyLegion pic.twitter.com/eQksQemk6m
— JUSTIN 🫧 (@jussatto) February 13, 2024
The incident stirred up memories of past criticism directed at Beyoncé within the country music community, notably surrounding her performance at the 2016 CMAs alongside the Dixie Chicks.
Responding to the uproar, Roger Harris, the general manager of Southern Central Oklahoma Radio Enterprises (S.C.O.R.E.), clarified the station's stance.
"We are a small market station. We’re not in a position to break an artist or help it that much, so it has to chart a little bit higher for us to add it," Harris explained.
He emphasized that the decision was not based on prejudice but rather on the song's performance on the charts.
Harris emphasized that their policy applied universally, stating, "If somebody calls and requests the Rolling Stones on that station, we’re going to say the same thing." He further added, "We don’t play her, but we will [with] this one, if it’s a country song, we will certainly play it," highlighting that the station's decision was contingent on the song's success in the country music genre.
While the station's explanation aimed to assuage concerns of discrimination, the controversy underscores ongoing discussions about inclusivity and representation within the country music industry.
As Beyoncé continues to explore new musical territories, her impact on traditionally rooted genres like country music raises questions about acceptance and diversity within the industry.
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