Beyonce Reveals What Motivates Her (It's Not Chart Success), Says 'Industry Gatekeepers' Aren't Happy With Her

Beyonce opened up about what is driving her when she works in the recording studio in a rare interview.

Fresh off the release of her country album Cowboy Carter, the 42-year-old “Texas Hold ‘Em” superstar is generating massive success on the charts. There are also whispers that she’s in line to finally be awarded Album of the Year at the 2025 Grammys.

However, all of that success is not what is inspiring her to keep going. She explained her decision to keep pushing musical boundaries and even implied that she’s made “industry gatekeepers” angry with her recent releases.

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While Beyonce said that she is “very grateful and humbled for the extraordinary success of the new album,” she told The Hollywood Reporter that her drive comes from elsewhere.

“There was a time in my life when charts and sales excited and motivated me. Once you have challenged yourself and poured every ounce of your life, your pain, your growth and your dreams into your art, it’s impossible to go backward,” she explained.

She added that “not everyone is ready” for “breaking down barriers.” However, she’s motivated by the success of collaborators like Shaboozey, who are “flying to new heights” and “inspiring the world.”

If you were unaware, Cowboy Carter, like her last album Renaissance, explores the roots of various musical genres and how Black artists inspired them.

“I’m honored to introduce so many people to the roots of so many genres. I’m so thrilled that my fans trusted me. The music industry gatekeepers are not happy about the idea of bending genres, especially coming from a Black artist and definitely not a woman,” she said.

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