BREAKING: Mick Jagger is boycotting the American Music Awards after hearing that Beyoncé was nominated for Best Female Country Artist

In a dramatic and unexpected turn of events, legendary Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger has publicly announced he will boycott the 2025 American Music Awards following the nomination of global pop and R&B icon Beyoncé in the Best Female Country Artist category. The move has ignited a heated debate across the music industry and among fans about genre boundaries, industry favoritism, and what defines authenticity in modern music.

The American Music Awards (AMAs), set to air on October 12, recently revealed their nomination list, with Beyoncé appearing in a surprising category: Best Female Country Artist, a nod to her genre-bending 2025 album “Cowgirl State of Mind,” which features Nashville-influenced ballads and collaborations with country stars like Chris Stapleton and Kacey Musgraves.

While many praised Beyoncé for her artistic versatility, others—including Jagger—view the nomination as a step too far.

Jagger’s Statement: “Genre Isn’t a Costume”

In a post shared to his official X (formerly Twitter) account and later reiterated in an interview with the BBC, Mick Jagger stated:

“I’ve always admired innovation in music, but this isn’t innovation—it’s appropriation with a marketing strategy. Country music is not a costume you wear to sell records for a season. With all respect to Beyoncé’s immense talent, this nomination disrespects the heart of country’s roots and the artists who live and breathe the genre.”

Jagger, who had been slated to appear at the AMAs to present a Lifetime Achievement Award, has now withdrawn from the ceremony entirely, stating he “won’t endorse an event that turns categories into gimmicks.”

Industry Response: Divided Opinions

The music world has erupted with responses ranging from strong support to equally fierce backlash. Country traditionalists like Jason Isbell and Tanya Tucker echoed Jagger’s concerns, suggesting the nomination is more about ratings and headlines than merit.

“You can’t put a cowboy hat on an R&B record and call it country,” Tucker said during an interview on SiriusXM. “Let’s not pretend.”

Conversely, Kacey Musgraves, who features on Beyoncé’s album, defended the nomination:

“Beyoncé isn’t just dipping a toe—she did her research, worked with real country musicians, and told her truth through the lens of the genre. If we gatekeep country music, we rob it of evolution.”

The Country Music Association (CMA) has not commented, but sources close to the AMAs say executives are “standing firmly” behind the nomination, calling it “a reflection of where music is headed.”

Beyoncé’s Camp Responds

While Beyoncé has not personally addressed the controversy, her publicist released a statement late Friday:

“Beyoncé’s Cowgirl State of Mind was born from her upbringing in Texas, her connection to country roots, and her respect for the genre. The album was created with authenticity, not for awards, but we appreciate the recognition.”

The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and reached No. 3 on the Billboard Country Albums chart. Its single “Whiskey & Lace” climbed to the Top 10 on country radio, making Beyoncé the first Black female artist to do so in nearly two decades.

Fans React: Twitter Firestorm

On social media, the debate has become one of the hottest trending topics, with fans fiercely divided.

• #StandWithJagger gained momentum among classic rock and country purists who argue that genre lines matter and are worth defending.
• On the other side, #BeyInBoots is trending with supporters praising the artist for daring to break musical norms and bring diversity to country music.

One fan tweeted:

“Mick Jagger needs to sit down. The Stones were blues-inspired British rockers. Now he’s mad at Beyoncé for doing country? Pot, meet kettle.”

Larger Questions: What Defines a Genre?

This controversy touches on broader conversations about genre evolution, representation, and the influence of corporate interests in award shows. As artists increasingly blend styles and cross musical boundaries, the industry continues to grapple with how to define, honor, and protect musical categories without stifling creativity.

Music historian Dr. Eliza Monroe weighed in:

“Country music has always been evolving—from outlaw country to country-pop. The issue here isn’t Beyoncé; it’s the institutions trying to capitalize on genre blurring without clarity. Jagger’s stance may be controversial, but it speaks to a growing concern about authenticity.”

What’s Next?

The AMAs are less than four months away, and with the controversy showing no signs of dying down, all eyes will be on how the awards show addresses the backlash—and whether Beyoncé takes home the trophy that has ignited a firestorm.

Whether you side with Jagger or Beyoncé, one thing is clear: the line between musical evolution and exploitation is being hotly debated, and the 2025 AMAs may be remembered less for who wins—and more for the battle they sparked.