Recently, a country radio station in Oklahoma changed its mind and decided to play Beyoncé’s most recent country song, “Texas Hold ‘Em,” after receiving a lot of negative feedback.
The singer’s new song was requested on 100.1 KYKC in Ada, Oklahoma, by a listener who was excited to hear it, sparking the debate. Act II of Beyoncé’s grandiose “Renaissance” project, which includes the song, will be published on February 11—Super Bowl Sunday. In addition to “Texas Hold ‘Em,” Beyoncé released another single called “16Carriages,” which raised expectations for her next album. Since KYKC is a country music station, Beyoncé is not played on our station. Listeners were incensed by this choice, and the internationally recognized musician was accused of racism and bigotry as a result.
Tweeting their shock at KYKC for not playing Beyoncé’s music, @jussatto denounced the station’s position as “blatant racism and discrimination.” The listener chastised the station and demanded accountability, saying, “@1001KYKC This is blatantly offensive and racist. It’s shameful of you all. I listened to your station growing up.
Social media users expressed their support for Beyoncé and denounced prejudice in its entirety following the prompt and broad condemnation of KYKC’s decision. The radio station had to reevaluate its initial position as the scandal gained momentum and it became the focus of a public outrage. In response to the mounting pressure and criticism, 100.1 KYKC took the unprecedented step of reversing its decision, announcing that it would indeed play Beyoncé’s new country song “Texas Hold ‘Em” on its airwaves. The station’s about-face came amidst growing calls for inclusivity and recognition of diverse voices within the country music genre.