Beyoncé made history at the 2025 American Music Awards, winning Favorite Female Country Artist and Favorite Country Album for Cowboy Carter. While it marked her first country-category win, the moment ignited intense backlash from fans.

Viewers were stunned as Beyoncé beat Lainey Wilson, who delivered an emotional live debut of her single “Somewhere Over Laredo.” Social media quickly lit up with criticism: “Lainey was robbed,” one user wrote. Others questioned Beyoncé’s place in country, saying she’s “not real country.”

Wilson’s performance was widely praised. Dressed in a glowing white outfit with a flowing cape, she sang under warm lights, visibly moved by the moment. Her presence, vocals, and heartfelt lyrics created a dreamlike, cinematic atmosphere that deeply resonated with the audience.

Many fans declared Wilson the “true country artist of the year,” reigniting the debate over genre boundaries. Beyoncé’s genre-crossing success has been celebrated by some, but this win highlights the ongoing tension over authenticity and recognition in country music.