The nominations for the upcoming Academy of Country Music Awards are out, with one name noticeably absent.

Beyoncé failed to receive any nominations for her 2024 Cowboy Carter album. Although the record won two Grammys, both Best Country Album and Album of the Year, ACM CEO Damon Whiteside says he understands why the pop star is not nominated.

“I think, more likely, they’re going to be voting for artists that they’ve got relationships with and work with on a regular basis and that are in the country music business 365 [days],” Whiteside says (via American Songwriter).

Still, while he understands it, Whiteside admits he is a bit disappointed by her lack of recognition.

“Were we hoping she’d be nominated? Absolutely,” he says. “We love that Beyoncé is in the country genre. That’s fantastic for all the country artists out there. It’s fantastic for the fans. The more successful she is, the more we’re bringing more mainstream people into the genre which we want.”

Beyoncé could still make an appearance at the live ceremony, if she chooses, but as a performer, not a nominee.

“We’d love to have Beyoncé on the show,” Whiteside says. “She has an open invitation to be on the ACM stage anytime she ever wants to.”

What Luke Bryan Says About Beyoncé and ‘Cowboy Carter’

Luke Bryan seems to agree with Whiteside, although he also has high praise for Beyoncé. After Beyoncé failed to receive any CMA Awards nominations either, Bryan says it’s because she hasn’t not become part of the country music culture like other crossover artists, including Post Malone.

“Everybody loved that Beyoncé made a country album. Nobody’s mad about it,” Bryan says on SiriusXM‘s Andy Cohen Live . “But where things get a little tricky … you know, if you’re gonna make country albums, come into our world and be country with us a little bit.”

Bryan now says he is a big fan of Beyoncé, after explaining his earlier comments.

“Beyoncé, she’s probably the greatest singer in our lifetime,” Bryan says on the Club Random podcast.. “She’s one of the best singer and performer and of all time in my opinion … I remember seeing Destiny’s Child, and seeing Beyoncé, and I was like, That’s one of the most beautiful human beings I’ve ever seen seen in my life.’”