Beyoncé continues to champion diversity in music, particularly in the realm of country, with her latest album, Cowboy Carter, making waves and elevating Black country artists to new heights.

In a recent feature with The Hollywood Reporter, Beyoncé reflected on the success of her eighth studio album, which dropped three months ago and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Cowboy Carter not only showcased Beyoncé’s own artistry but also highlighted emerging talents like Tiera Kennedy, Brittney Spencer, and Shaboozey. Notably, Shaboozey’s hit single “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” topped the Hot Country Songs chart, following in the footsteps of Beyoncé’s own track, “Texas Hold ‘Em.”

Expressing her admiration for the achievements of her collaborators, Beyoncé praised their impact in breaking down barriers within the music industry. “When I see Shaboozey dominating the charts and the incredible female country singers reaching new heights, inspiring the world, that’s what drives me,” Beyoncé shared with THR.

Reflecting on her artistic journey and the reception of Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé emphasized her evolution beyond traditional measures of success. “There was a time when chart positions and sales fueled me. But once you’ve poured your entire life, pain, growth, and dreams into your art, there’s no going back,” she explained. “I’m deeply grateful and humbled by the incredible success of this new album.”

Looking ahead, Beyoncé teased her next project, hinting at a departure from Cowboy Carter’s country roots. “I feel honored to introduce audiences to the essence of various genres,” she hinted, sparking speculation among fans about her upcoming musical direction, possibly a rock-focused album to conclude her trio of genre-bending releases starting with Renaissance.

In closing, Beyoncé expressed gratitude to her fans for embracing her artistic vision. “The industry gatekeepers may not always support the idea of genre-blurring, especially from a Black female artist,” she noted. “But I’m thrilled that my fans have embraced this journey with me.”

Upon its debut, Cowboy Carter made history with the biggest Spotify debut of the year and claimed the top spot on the Billboard 200, amassing 407,000 equivalent album units in the U.S.