What's happening?

In February, the singer Beyonce released a new song. Her single Texas Hold 'Em was her first country musicA music genre that began in southern and southwestern USA. It often includes themes of working class American life. hit. Soon, Beyonce became the first Black woman to top the country music chart.

But not everyone loved it. Country radio stations refused to play it, saying Beyonce is not a country artist, until fans forced them to change their minds.

Last Friday, Beyonce launched her new album Cowboy Carter. But it is not just a country album.

In its 78 minutes of music, Cowboy Carter explores lots of different genres, from gospelIn the Bible, a teaching of Christ. Also a genre of Christian music. to opera - and country.

Even the US vice presidentIn the USA, the vice president can take over from the president if they are unable to run the country. Kamala Harris is a fan. She told Beyonce: "You have redefinedChanged the meaning of something, or made people see it in a different way. a genre and reclaimed country music's Black roots."

This is key. Country is huge in the United States. But it is often linked to conservativeHolding traditional values, and in a political context, favouring policies such as private ownership. politics as well as prejudiceAn idea about something, especially a group of people, that is not based on reality. .

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Cowboy Carter rejects this racismPrejudice or discrimination due to a person's race or ethnicity. . It asks listeners to think about how Black American music relates to country.

But others believe Beyonce has not really embraced country - choosing to duet with pop stars such as Miley Cyrus and Post Malone.

Some even think Beyonce's turn to country may just be about money, not culture. Country music is on the rise. More people are listening to it - and buying country albums - than before. So for a musician, now is a good time to make a country album.

Is this a cultural turning point? 

Yes! In recent years, country music has unfortunately been linked to racism and sexism. Beyonce has helped to show that country music can be positive and look towards the future.

No! Anyone can wear a cowboy hat and shout "yeehaw". Country music is on the rise, so Beyonce has been very clever to make a country music album.