The country category at the AMAs has long favored familiar names, but this year, a big win went to an artist known for pushing genre boundaries.
Beyoncé scored an unexpected win in the country category, taking home Favorite Female Country Artist at the 2025 American Music Awards (AMAs). The moment stirred backlash, as fans felt Lainey Wilson deserved the honor after delivering the live debut of her new single during the ceremony.
The “Texas Hold ‘Em” star took home two awards at the 2025 AMAs: Favorite Female Country Artist and Favorite Country Album, marking the first time the 11-time AMA winner has been recognized in the country music category.
Her album “Cowboy Carter” beat out Jelly Roll’s “BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN,” Megan Moroney’s “AM I OKAY?,” Post Malone’s “F-1 Trillion,” and Shaboozey’s “Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going.”
In the Favorite Female Country Artist category, Beyoncé was up against Ella Langley, Kacey Musgraves, Megan Moroney, and Lainey Wilson.
After viewers watched Wilson deliver the live debut of her new single, “Somewhere Over Laredo,” many felt she was the rightful winner and took to social media to voice their disappointment, frustration, and disbelief.
“How can Beyoncé win after this performance,” one person questioned. Another fan didn’t hold back, declaring, “She was robbed Beyoncé isn’t country,[sic]” while someone else added, “Hope Beyoncé was taking notes on what real female country is supposed to be. Gorgeous performance 👏👏👏.”
The backlash kept rolling in. “How Beyoncé over this?😫😫😫,[sic]” one person wondered. Another fan chimed in with a mix of admiration and confusion, “How did Beyoncé win after this such a stunning performance she is the queen of country![sic]”
Other people praised Wilson, “Great performance. You should have won best female country artist.” Some were even more direct, crowning Wilson, “The real female country artist of the year.” And one fan summed up the overall sentiment, “Lainey should have won female country artist.”
The reactions underline an ongoing debate in the industry about genre boundaries and recognition, especially as artists like Beyoncé continue to break new ground across musical categories.
Wilson stands on stage alongside a pianist, the backdrop behind her a cloudy, ethereal swirl that gives the performance a dreamlike feel. With guitarists and other band members positioned on either side, the scene is both intimate and atmospheric.
A close-up shot captures Wilson in her element, her white cowboy hat casting a soft shadow, glowing makeup highlighting her features, and dangling earrings swaying as she belts out the lyrics, fully immersed in the emotion of the song.
Another shot reveals Wilson’s full outfit—a stunning white bell-bottomed suit paired with a flowy cape, cinched at the waist with a silver belt buckle. Even her mic stand matched the look, adding a touch of sparkle to the already striking ensemble.
With her hands lifted and eyes closed, Wilson appears lost in the moment, fully swept up in the emotion of the song. Beside her, the pianist stays focused, adding to the powerful, immersive energy of the performance.
Her softness radiates through her stage presence, with the white ensemble symbolizing peace and serenity. As Wilson sings a song that reflects themes of travel and journeying, the calm, ethereal atmosphere mirrors the story woven into her lyrics.
The scene is undeniably beautiful as Wilson sings beside her pianist, stage lights casting a warm glow through gentle waves of stage smoke. The soft haze curling around her feet adds a dreamlike quality, making the moment feel cinematic.
We get a close-up glimpse of Wilson’s joy while performing on such a major stage, her bright smile beaming, white sparkling teeth visible as she pours both passion and happiness into the moment.
A stage light peeks out from behind, casting a gentle glow as her cape flows gracefully with her movement. With her hands raised by her side and emotion pouring from every note, Wilson delivers a performance that reaches straight to the soul.
Still in a graceful pose, Wilson’s face reflects a wave of emotion, perfectly in sync with the moment. She looks as if she’s reminiscing, mirroring the reflective nature of her song’s lyrics and drawing the audience deeper into her story.
With her eyes closed and a slight smile on her face, Wilson stands still, holding her mic stand with both hands. There’s a stillness in the moment so serene, it feels as though she’s alone in the room, lost entirely in the music.
A wide shot captures Wilson and her pianist on stage, while the audience below stretches their hands up toward the lights. Whether they were swaying or simply soaking in the moment, the photo freezes a shared connection between performer and crowd.
As Wilson lifts her hand high, mirroring the audience whose arms stretch upward too, there’s a visible connection between artist and crowd, a testament to the power of a performer fully in tune with her listeners.
In the shot, Wilson faces her pianist as she sings, the moment feeling almost private, just between the two of them, despite the crowd and cameras around.
With one hand raised and pointing out as if toward something unseen over the horizon, Wilson visually echoes her song’s theme of journeying across faraway lands.
Both hands grip the mic as Wilson leans into the moment, her voice carrying the emotion etched on her face. It’s clear she’s not just performing — she’s living every word, drawing the audience into her world.
With her mouth wide open mid-belt, Wilson grips the mic in one hand — now free from its stand — while the other is raised high in the air, capturing the raw energy and freedom of the moment.
Her hands are held out in front of her, almost as if in a quiet plea, as Wilson sings with deep emotion. Strands of her blonde hair peek from beneath her white cowboy hat, adding to the striking beauty of a moment filled with grace and vulnerability.
Another shot shows the audience fully in tune with her, hands raised, just like hers, as Wilson delivers her performance. She hasn’t lost them for a second; instead, she pulls them in deeper with every note.
Like a moment forever etched in AMAs history, she stands tall—her outfit striking, one hand raised high. Wilson’s performance is one that will linger in memory, powerful and unforgettable.
Backstage, Wilson strikes a classic country pose, two fingers lightly touching the brim of her white hat in a respectful nod, a gesture reminiscent of country stars who came before her.
Wilson also poses with her band, who are dressed in black trousers and shirts topped with denim jackets. Their coordinated look provides a striking contrast, making her stand out even more in her all-white ensemble.
