Beyoncé's latest album, "Cowboy Carter," has garnered acclaim from various quarters, including high-profile endorsements from personalities such as Michelle Obama and Kamala Harris. However, not everyone shares this enthusiasm.
American journalist and media personality Megyn Kelly offered a dissenting view on the reception of the album, critiquing what she perceives as an overreaction to its release.
Kelly expressed skepticism about the praise the album has received from certain political figures and commentators, implying that the adulation is excessive and perhaps politically motivated.
"So, she's come out now with a country album, and of course, these leftist and media whores pretend that no one's ever done country before Beyoncé has done it," Kelly remarked, suggesting a disingenuous discovery of the country genre by the album's supporters.
She specifically called out the reactions of Obama and Harris on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, critiquing their shared messaging and Obama's tendency to weave narratives of personal struggle into her public statements. Kelly sarcastically commented on the hardships Beyoncé must endure with her considerable wealth, questioning the underlying messages being conveyed by such public figures.
Kelly further criticized Beyoncé's cover of Dolly Parton's iconic song "Jolene," noting a significant departure in the lyrics and tone from the original. In Beyoncé's rendition, the song takes on a more confrontational stance, which Kelly interpreted as a shift towards a more aggressive form of empowerment, contrary to the original song's plea.
Despite the widespread praise for "Cowboy Carter" from Beyoncé's fans and notable figures, Kelly shared her reservations about the album's message and its embodiment of modern definitions of strength and empowerment among women. She articulated a discomfort with a portrayal of strength that eschews vulnerability for aggression.
Both Obama and Harris lauded Beyoncé for her contributions to music and culture, with Obama referring to her as a "record-breaker and history-maker" who continues to redefine musical genres and impact culture. Harris thanked Beyoncé for her inspiration and for challenging the public's perceptions of their roles and contributions.
However, Kelly's critique was not isolated, as some online commentators also questioned the album's representation of the Black community, pointing to Beyoncé's appearance on the album cover as potentially inconsistent with a celebration of Black roots.
"Cowboy Carter," released on March 29, thus stands at the intersection of cultural acclaim and critique, highlighting differing perspectives on its impact and the broader implications of its reception within the entertainment and political spheres.
Rumors of friction between Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton, two of America's most influential former First Ladies, have persisted for years, raising questions about the dynamics between these prominent figures.
Kate Andersen Brower, in her book "The Grace and Power of America’s Modern First Ladies," delves into the speculated discord, suggesting that Michelle Obama harbored disdain for Bill Clinton's infidelities during his presidency and perceived both Clintons as excessively ambitious. This tension reportedly traces back to the 2008 Democratic Party nomination battle, where Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama vied for the presidential candidacy.
During this fiercely competitive period, the candidates exchanged sharp criticisms, with Hillary Clinton labeling Barack Obama as "frankly naive" and accusing him of plagiarism, while Obama questioned Clinton's foreign policy stance, according to The New York Times.
Edward Klein, author of "Blood Feud: The Clintons vs. The Obamas," further explores the alleged acrimony between the two couples, claiming a deep-seated hatred exists between them. Klein's account includes Michelle Obama purportedly referring to Hillary Clinton as "Hildebeest" in private conversations, and Bill Clinton expressing extreme animosity towards Barack Obama.
Despite these allegations of a bitter rivalry, there are instances suggesting a more cordial relationship between Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton. CBS reported that Michelle Obama reached out to Hillary Clinton for advice on transitioning her daughters, Malia and Sasha, into the White House life.
Additionally, at a 2016 rally in Winston-Salem, Michelle Obama publicly expressed her friendship with Hillary Clinton, stating, “If people wonder, yes, Hillary Clinton is my friend,” as reported by The Guardian.
