On June 1, 2025, Fox News host Judge Jeanine Pirro ignited a firestorm with her scathing remarks about Beyoncé’s win as Female Country Artist at a recent music awards show. During her show The Five, Pirro didn’t hold back, declaring, “Oh sure, letting Beyoncé win Female Country Artist is like inviting a peacock in a cowboy hat to sing in a barn—flashy, out of place, and just a circus act for city folks who think they understand Southern music!” The comment, aimed at Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album, has divided fans and critics, sparking heated debates about authenticity in country music.

Beyoncé’s foray into country with Cowboy Carter, released in March 2024, marked a bold pivot for the pop icon. The album, featuring hits like “Texas Hold ’Em,” topped country charts and earned her multiple nominations, culminating in her historic win as the first Black woman to take home Female Country Artist at the 2025 People’s Choice Country Awards. While many celebrated her genre-blending innovation, Pirro’s remarks reflect a broader backlash from traditionalists who question her place in the genre.

Pirro, known for her outspoken conservative commentary, argued that Beyoncé’s win undermines artists rooted in country’s Southern traditions. “This isn’t about talent—it’s about respect for a culture,” she said, accusing the awards of pandering to “urban elites” who see country music as a trend. Her peacock metaphor, now trending on X, has drawn both support and ire. “Jeanine’s right—country isn’t a costume,” one user posted, while another countered, “Beyoncé’s music honors Black cowboy history. Pirro’s just gatekeeping.”

The controversy echoes earlier debates when Cowboy Carter faced initial resistance from some country radio stations, though its commercial success—over 1 billion streams—silenced many critics. Beyoncé’s collaborations with artists like Dolly Parton and Post Malone showcased her commitment, yet Pirro dismissed her as a “pop star playing dress-up.” This isn’t the first time Pirro has targeted Beyoncé; in 2024, she criticized her political endorsements, calling them “out of touch.”

Supporters of Beyoncé argue her win reflects country music’s evolving landscape, citing her research into the genre’s Black roots, including influences like Linda Martell. “Beyoncé’s not pretending—she’s expanding the genre,” a fan tweeted, pointing to her Grammy nominations for Best Country Album. Critics like Pirro, however, see her success as a commercialization of a historically white, rural genre, reigniting tensions over who “owns” country music.

The backlash has sparked broader conversations about gatekeeping in music. While Pirro’s comments resonate with purists, they’ve alienated younger fans who embrace genre fluidity. As of June 2, 2025, Beyoncé has not responded, but her team highlighted her awards speech, where she dedicated the win to “trailblazers who opened doors.” Pirro’s fiery rhetoric may have grabbed headlines, but it’s Beyoncé’s music—and its impact—that continues to redefine country’s boundaries, proving that a “peacock” can still command the barn.