Gavin Adcock Reacts To Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ Album Ranking Above Him On Country Charts: ‘It Just Ain’t Country’
After sounding off on stage, Adcock later clarified where he stands on the subject.
Gavin Adcock; Photos Courtesy of TikTok
During a recent show, Gavin Adcock sparked online buzz after weighing in on the evolving definition of country music and sharing his views on Beyoncé’s place within the genre.
While talking to the crowd, Adcock noted that his upcoming album Own Worst Enemy has reached No. 4 on Apple Music’s Country Albums chart. The project is sitting right behind Morgan Wallen’s I’m the Problem, Parker McCollum’s new self-titled project, and Beyoncé’s 2024 Cowboy Carter album.
Adcock didn’t appear to have a problem with the fact that he was trailing close behind Morgan Wallen and Parker McCollum, however Beyoncé ahead of him on a country chart didn’t quite sit right with him.
Despite the mixed reviews Cowboy Carter has received since its arrival in March of 2024, it has earned its fair share of success. It won both Album of the Year and Best Country Album at the 2025 Grammy Awards, making Beyoncé became the first black woman in history to take home the honor for Best Country Album.
Listen To Gavin Adcock’s On-Stage Statement
Adcock did not hold back when sharing whether or not he believes the project deserves to be recognized in the country music genre.
“There’s only three people in front of me on the Apple Music country charts. And one of ‘em is Beyoncé. You can tell her we’re coming for her f**kin’ a**,” Adcock said from the stage.
@itstyler_69 @GavinAdcockMusic show was crazy brother! #countryquotes ♬ original sound – Tyler Jarecki
He continued, “That s**t ain’t country music, and it ain’t never been country music, and it ain’t never gonna be country music,” he continued.
His bold statement earned a round of roaring cheers from the crowd.
“We’re ’bout to play y’all some Southern f–king rock. Y’all hit that s–t, boys,” Adcock added before rolling into the next song in his set.
Following Up With Further Explanation
A few days after sharing his candid thoughts on stage, Gavin Adcock took to social media to clarify his comments and emphasize that he respects Beyoncé as an artist.
“I’m going to go ahead and clear this up,” he began in the self-recorded video clip. “When I was a little kid, my mama was blasting some Beyonce in the car. I’ve heard a ton of Beyonce songs and I actually remember her Super Bowl halftime show being pretty kick a** back in the day.”
He goes on to explain that his real issue lies, not with Beyoncé herself, but with how her album is being categorized in the country music genre.
“I really don’t believe that her album should be labeled as country music. It doesn’t sound country. It doesn’t feel country, and I just don’t think that people that have dedicated their whole lives to this genre and this lifestyle should have to compete or watch that album. Just stay at the top just because she’s Beyonce.”
Fans Come TO Adcock’s Defense
Prior to making his statement, fans came to Adcock’s defense as they filled the comment section of another Instagram post with their opinions that his unreleased project should be the one sitting in the third spot.
“Should be 3rd if u know what im sayin,” one user wrote
“Yeah, you’re #3,” said another, while a fan declared, “Better get that 3 spot.”
New Album Coming This August
Gavin Adcock’s latest chart-rising project, “Own Worst Enemy,” is set to drop August 15. In anticipation of the new album, he recently dropped the track, “Last One To Know.” Penned by the Georgia native with Erik Dylan, Jack Rauton and Luke Laird, the new song places Adcock’s signature rasp and gritty country sound among the backdrop of string a soulful instrumentals throughout the mid-temo track.
A vivid picture comes to life as the singer/songwriter reflects on the reckless choices he’s made and the consequences that come with them. The narrator bears his soul while opening up about his chaotic past that he can’t keep to shake, leaving him feel as though he’s trapped in a never-ending toxic cycle.
He sings, “Wild-a** women, hard-a** living/ Did it to myself, near over and over/ Guess me and my buddy Jim put on a hell of a show/ They woke me up this morning, I was the last one to know.”
Along with “Last One To Know,” Adcock has shared a glimpse into the forthcoming 24-track project with songs like “Loose Strings,” “Need To,” “Unlucky Strikes,” “Never Call Again,” “On One,” “Almost Gone” (feat. Vincent Mason), and “Morning Bail.” The full track listing will be announced at a later date.
In anticipation of his new music, Gavin Adcock continues to showcase his unapologetically honest spirit is currently on the road for his Need To Know Tour. He has a busy month ahead with performances scheduled for various fairs and festivals as well as a headlining date and opening slots on Morgan Wallen’s I’m The Problem Tour.
Madeleine O’Connell graduated from North Central College with a bachelors degree in Journalism and Broadcast Communications before deciding to pursue her studies further at DePaul University. There, she earned her masters degree in Digital Communication & Media Arts. O’Connell served as a freelance writer for over two years while also interning with the Academy of Country Music, SiriusXM and Circle Media and assisting with Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly podcast. In addition to Country Now, she has been published in American Songwriter, Music Mayhem, and Holler.Country. Madeleine O’Connell is a member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
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