Beyoncé Makes History as First Black Woman to Top Billboard’s Hot Country Songs Chart

Beyoncé has shattered records yet again, becoming the first Black woman to claim the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart with her latest single, “Texas Hold ’Em.”

The groundbreaking achievement was announced by Billboard on Tuesday (February 20), alongside the revelation that another track from Beyoncé’s surprise drop, “16 Carriages,” debuted at No. 9 on the same chart.

Both songs were released unexpectedly on February 11, following their announcement during a Verizon commercial aired during Super Bowl LVIII. Beyoncé also disclosed that these tracks would feature on her upcoming album, Renaissance: Act II, slated for release on March 29.

The surprise release confirmed speculations among fans about Beyoncé’s venture into country music, fueled by hints such as her country-inspired attire at the 2024 Grammy Awards and lyrics from her 2019 single “Black Parade,” where she sings, “I’m going back to the South, where my roots ain’t watered down,” hinting at a country direction for Act II.

While Beyoncé’s camp has neither confirmed nor denied the trilogy rumors, there had been prior indications that the original Renaissance album was part of a larger narrative arc.

Days after their release, “Texas Hold Em” made history as Beyoncé’s inaugural entry on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, debuting at No. 54 with 1.1 million in audience via 100 stations at the format in the tracking week ending February 15.

Billboard’s data is drawn from around 150 country music stations across the United States, as surveyed by Mediabase.

“We immediately added it [in] a sub-power rotation, which is where we put top-trending new music,” remarked Bo Matthews, program director at KBAY San Jose. “I want people to hear it. One of the biggest artists in the world delivered a great country record for us to have fun with, and the song is really good.

“We are in the business of creating excitement for our listeners, and I’m embracing the moment. Plus, there is plenty of room for great artists, even from other genres. It’s a big country tent,” Matthews added, highlighting the genre’s evolving inclusivity.