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Beyoncé Makes History on Billboard Country Charts

Beyoncé Makes History as First Black Woman to Top Billboard Country Albums Chart

April 10, 2024

Beyoncé continues to shatter barriers, achieving a historic No. 1 spot on the Billboard Country Albums chart with her latest release, "Act II: Cowboy Carter." This marks the first time a Black woman has topped the chart since its inception in 1964.

"Cowboy Carter" also reigns supreme on the all-genre Billboard 200, solidifying Beyoncé's eighth No. 1 album. According to Luminate, the album garnered 407,000 equivalent album units in its first week in the U.S., combining traditional sales and streaming figures.

Beyoncé Makes History on Billboard Country Charts

Beyoncé Challenges The Genre's Traditional Association with Whiteness

Beyoncé Makes History on Billboard Country Charts

Beyond the commercial success, "Cowboy Carter" stands as a powerful statement. Beyoncé challenges the genre's traditional association with whiteness, embracing country music on her own terms.

This exploration began with a symbolic appearance at the 2024 Grammy Awards, where she donned full cowboy attire. The message continued with the release of two genre-bending singles, "Texas Hold 'Em" and "16 Carriages," during the Super Bowl, ultimately culminating in the full-fledged country album.

Beyoncé Makes History on Billboard Country Charts

"Texas Hold 'Em" itself secured the top spot on the Billboard Country Airplay chart in February, another historic first for Beyoncé as a Black woman leading the chart.