Reyna Roberts Is Grateful to Beyonce for Elevating Her and Other Black Country Artists
Reyna Roberts and Beyonce Getty Images (2)
Reyna Roberts admires Beyoncé and her impact on country music. She expressed her gratitude for Beyoncé's presence in the genre and for giving opportunities to other country artists, including herself. Roberts, 26, shared her thoughts exclusively with We on Thursday, May 16, during the Academy of Country Music Awards red carpet. She highlighted the importance of Beyoncé's influence in bringing attention to Black artists in country music. "It took her support to truly be recognized by many," Roberts stated.
Roberts made her mark on the country music scene in 2020 with a viral cover of Carrie Underwood's "Drinking Alone." The rendition garnered praise from both Underwood and Mickey Guyton. Shortly after, she released her debut single "Stompin' Grounds."
According to Roberts, "We have been achieving our own successes and pursuing our own paths. We have been doing well, but it was Beyoncé who really brought attention to us and showed the world beyond country music that we exist. This has been crucial and necessary."
Roberts was part of Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter album released in March. She sang on the song "Blackbird" with Beyoncé, Brittney Spencer, Tanner Adell, and Tiera Kennedy. The album also featured collaborations with Dolly Parton, Miley Cyrus, Post Malone, Willie Nelson, and others.
Reyna Roberts Is Grateful to Beyonce for Elevating Her and Other Black Country Artists
Reyna Roberts expressed her gratitude towards Carrie Underwood for the impact she has had on her life. She mentioned how being featured on Cowboy Carter has opened up many opportunities for her. This experience has led to her debut on the Hot 100 chart, something she feels may not have happened without Underwood's support.
Beyoncé did not attend the ACMs, but she has left a mark on the genre. She made history by becoming the first Black woman to have a No.1 country song with "Texas Hold 'Em" and a No.1 country album. Before releasing Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé revealed that she was motivated to explore country music after facing discrimination in the industry.
She shared on Instagram in March, "It all began with an incident where I felt unwelcome... it was obvious that I didn't belong." This experience led her to delve deeper into the roots of country music and appreciate its rich history.
With reporting by Nataly Keomoungkhoun
Editor's P/S:
Reyna Roberts' admiration for Beyoncé's impact on country music underscores the transformative power of inclusivity and representation. Beyoncé's arrival in the genre has not only shattered barriers but also amplified the voices of marginalized artists like Roberts. Her recognition and collaboration with Black country musicians have brought long-overdue attention to their talent and contributions, paving the way for a more diverse and equitable musical landscape.
Furthermore, Roberts' acknowledgment of Carrie Underwood's influence highlights the interconnectedness within the country music community. Underwood's support and mentorship have played a significant role in Roberts' journey, demonstrating the importance of fostering a supportive environment where artists can thrive and inspire one another. This article serves as a testament to the transformative impact of collaboration and the power of representation in shaping the future of music.