CELEBRITY
BREAKING NEWS: Elon Musk EXPOSED that Jay-Z paid $20 million to radio shows, $40 million to country stations, and $110 million for downloads so Beyoncé could “win” the…

In a bombshell revelation that has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, tech mogul Elon Musk has publicly accused rapper and music executive Jay-Z of orchestrating a massive $170 million pay-for-play campaign to secure Beyoncé’s controversial win for Best Country Album at this year’s Grammy Awards.
According to Musk, Jay-Z allegedly spent $20 million paying off popular radio shows, $40 million targeting country music stations specifically, and a staggering $110 million for inflated download numbers and chart manipulation — all in an elaborate scheme to ensure Beyoncé’s historic win in a genre where she has long struggled for recognition.
> “This isn’t art winning — it’s money laundering through influence,” Musk posted Tuesday night on X (formerly Twitter). “Jay-Z paid $170M so Beyoncé could ‘win’ Best Country Album. This is why people are losing trust in award shows.”
The claims come amid ongoing debates about genre crossover, authenticity, and racial dynamics in country music. Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em” album, which blended country roots with soulful pop flair, drew critical praise but also divided traditionalist fans.
Many insiders speculated her win was a “manufactured moment,” but Musk’s allegations now add a sinister financial layer to the controversy.
Industry in Uproar
While the Recording Academy has yet to issue an official response, high-profile insiders are already weighing in. A senior Grammy committee member, speaking anonymously, called the allegations “deeply troubling” and said they “warrant immediate investigation.”
Country legend Travis Tritt also chimed in on X, saying:
> “If true, this undermines everything real musicians work for. Country music is built on authenticity — not buyouts.”
Music fans across platforms have erupted in heated debate, with #BeyoncéPayola and #GrammysRigged trending within hours. Supporters of Beyoncé have dismissed the accusations as misogynoir and another example of powerful Black artists being unfairly targeted.
Jay-Z’s Camp Responds
A representative for Jay-Z strongly denied the claims, calling Musk’s allegations “completely false, defamatory, and legally actionable.”
> “This is a pathetic attempt by Elon Musk to deflect from the failing rollout of his recent AI project. Beyoncé’s win is a result of her artistry, legacy, and innovation — not money.”
Beyoncé herself has not issued any public statement.
Musk’s Motive?
Critics are questioning Musk’s motive behind the timing of the exposé, especially given his recent public spats with music industry executives over licensing issues with X’s new streaming platform, GrokPlay.
Some believe the Tesla CEO may be using the controversy to spotlight corruption — while others claim it’s a targeted personal vendetta against artists who have resisted licensing their catalogs to his platform.
What Happens Next?
The Recording Academy is under mounting pressure to audit the voting and nomination process. Industry watchdogs have also called on the FCC and FTC to investigate potential violations of payola laws — federal regulations that prohibit secret payments for radio play.