AceShowbiz - Kelly Clarkson has addressed the surprise snub of Beyonce Knowles' "Cowboy Carter" album from the upcoming CMA Awards nominations. Expressing her own sense of fascination, Clarkson noted that she was initially perplexed because the album's songs had been so widely popular. She also drew attention to Beyonce's record-breaking success, with "Texas Hold 'Em" topping both the Billboard Hot Country Songs and Hot 100 charts.

Clarkson, who herself has attempted to venture into the country music genre, empathized with Beyonce's experience. She recalled being told at a lunch meeting that she would not be "played" if she did not abandon pop music entirely. Clarkson rejected this ultimatum, stating that she "would not be played" if she did not abandon pop music entirely.

Clarkson also noted that country music has been a significant influence on her own music, and she believes it has been similarly important for Beyonce. Growing up in Texas, she explained, exposure to country music is inevitable. However, despite her love for the genre, Clarkson ultimately found the industry's expectations to be limiting.

"It just seemed like the door was closed unless I was all-in and had to leave every other genre behind," she remarked. "I don't think people like me, or even Beyonce, are capable of doing that. It's not even a desire or a want."

Clarkson emphasized that she has come to value experiences beyond awards. She believes that the true value lies in the support of fans, regardless of genre boundaries. "I think the real win there is that you don't even need the award," she concluded.