Beyoncé, the iconic pop and R&B artist, has made her debut on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart with her latest single, “Texas Hold ‘Em.” This marks a significant milestone in her career, as she enters the country music scene for the first time. The Country Airplay chart specifically measures radio play, and Beyoncé’s track has already garnered attention from streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music.
The release of “Texas Hold ‘Em” and another country-influenced track, “16 Carriages,” on Super Bowl Sunday sparked curiosity about how the country music industry would embrace these songs. Given the genre’s history of overlooking Black artists and Beyoncé’s non-traditional country background, it was uncertain how the older guard of country radio would respond. However, streaming services quickly placed “Texas Hold ‘Em” at the top of their country playlists, indicating a positive reception from listeners.
Columbia Records, Beyoncé’s label, officially promoted “Texas Hold ‘Em” to country radio earlier this week. As a result, the song debuted on the Airplay chart at Number 54 with approximately 1.1 million impressions. This achievement demonstrates Beyoncé’s ability to transcend genres and captivate audiences across different music styles.
While Beyoncé is primarily known as a pop and R&B icon, her venture into country music is not entirely unexpected. Her 2016 Lemonade track, “Daddy Lessons,” showcased her notable country influence. In fact, Nashville stars have been covering Beyoncé songs for the past decade, highlighting the mutual appreciation between the two genres.
With Beyoncé’s entry onto the Country Airplay chart, the focus now shifts to how “Texas Hold ‘Em” will perform in the coming weeks. Additionally, other charts that consider streams and sales alongside radio airplay, such as the Hot 100 and Hot Country Songs charts, will provide further insight into the song’s success. Fans have drawn comparisons to Lil Nas X and his hit song “Old Town Road” in 2019 when Billboard removed it from the Hot Country Songs chart. The upcoming chart updates from Billboard next Tuesday will reveal where Beyoncé’s song lands. If she tops the Hot Country Songs chart, she will become the first Black woman artist to achieve a country Number One.
The popularity of “Texas Hold ‘Em” is evident as four different versions of the song currently occupy the top-five spots on the iTunes chart. Fans are rallying behind the track, aiming to secure a Number One distinction for Beyoncé. Additionally, the song holds the Number Two position on both Apple Music and Spotify’s Top US charts, trailing only behind Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign’s “Carnival.”
Beyoncé’s foray into country music has not only sparked excitement among her fans but also raised important discussions about representation and inclusivity within the genre. As an artist who consistently pushes boundaries and defies expectations, Beyoncé’s presence on the Country Airplay chart signifies a new chapter in her illustrious career. With her immense talent and widespread appeal, there’s no doubt that Beyoncé will continue to make waves across various music genres, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
