Lily Allen appears to have voiced her critique of Beyoncé’s latest venture into country music with the album “Cowboy Carter,” labeling it as ‘calculated’ and questioning the choice to cover Dolly Parton’s Jolene.
The London-born singer, 38, expressed her opinions on her BBC Sounds podcast, “Miss Me?,” alongside co-host Miquita Oliver, 39. During the discussion, they delved into the 42-year-old superstar’s exploration of this new musical genre.
According to the “Air Balloon” vocalist, she perceived Beyoncé’s move into country music as strategic, linking it to Jay-Z’s Grammy speech where he criticized the organizers for overlooking her for Best Album awards.
“It feels quite calculated,” remarked the “Fear” singer. “I sense that Jay-Z’s Grammy speech was part of this campaign. It happened before the album was announced, with Beyoncé donning a blonde wig and a cowboy hat.”
In February in London, Lily Allen, aged 38, appeared to offer criticism toward Beyoncé’s latest country album, “Cowboy Carter,” deeming it ‘calculated.’ Additionally, she raised queries about Beyoncé’s decision to cover Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.”
The Grammy-nominated artist suggested that her actions were part of a successful attempt to ‘challenge the institution,’ highlighting Beyoncé’s prominence as ‘the most played woman in country music.’
Allen hinted that Beyoncé may have taken a shortcut by covering Dolly Parton’s 1973 smash hit “Jolene,” a song listed among Rolling Stone’s 500 greatest songs of all time.
“It’s quite an intriguing choice to tackle a new genre and opt for the biggest song within it,” Allen remarked. “I mean, you do you, Beyoncé.”
Currently recording a new album in Nashville, Allen emphasized her love for country music and her penchant for storytelling in her music, suggesting it as a defining aspect of the genre.
In another segment of the podcast, Allen suggested that the iconic singer might be receiving assistance to maintain her youthful appearance. While Oliver admired Beyoncé’s age-defying beauty, Allen implied that she suspects the “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” artist has undergone cosmetic procedures.
Oliver remarked, ‘She does look amazing, turning 40 with such excitement,’ prompting Allen to respond, ‘Yeah, but she’s getting some help.’
Oliver countered, ‘If you’re implying she’s had work done, that’s not true!’
The vocalist behind “Air Balloon” expressed her view that Beyoncé’s shift into country music appeared ‘calculated’ to her.
Allen suggested that Beyoncé may have opted for a shortcut by covering Dolly Parton’s 1973 mega-hit “Jolene,” which holds a prestigious spot on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 greatest songs of all time.
The Londoner shared her thoughts on her BBC Sounds podcast, “Miss Me?,” alongside co-host Miquita Oliver, aged 39, on Thursday.
Allen remarked, “I didn’t say that, but she’s incredibly stylish, has great hair, keeps fit, and has access to the best personal trainers in the world… she’s Beyoncé.”
In the podcast, Allen also acknowledged that she finds people appealing due to their “power” rather than solely based on their appearance.
Oliver inquired, “Do you find Jay-Z attractive?” to which Allen responded, “I’m drawn to power, so yes, but not necessarily physically. But to be honest.”
