In a groundbreaking moment at the 67th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, Beyoncé finally secured the coveted Album of the Year award for her eighth studio album, Cowboy Carter.
The win corrects what many considered an ongoing Grammy injustice, as she had been overlooked for the top prize four times before.
As her name was announced, Beyoncé embraced her daughter, Blue Ivy, and husband, Jay-Z, before taking the stage in a gold paisley dress.
“I just feel very full and very honored,” she said. “It’s been many, many years.”
The album, which highlights and honors the Black roots of country music, also won Best Country Album, making Beyoncé the first Black woman to receive that accolade.
The announcement, delivered by Taylor Swift, carried symbolic weight given Swift’s previous Album of the Year wins over Beyoncé, most notably in 2010.
“Wow, I really was not expecting this,” Beyoncé said, acknowledging country artists who had supported her.
Kendrick Lamar dominated the rap categories, winning Record of the Year with Not Like Us, a song that played a pivotal role in his long-standing rivalry with Drake.
The track swept all five categories it was nominated in, including Best Rap Song and Best Music Video. Lamar dedicated his win to Los Angeles, which had been devastated by wildfires, saying, “We’re gonna dedicate this one to the city.”
The awards ceremony also served as a fundraiser, raising over $7 million for wildfire victims. Host Trevor Noah praised firefighters and first responders, who were honored on the red carpet and in multiple tributes throughout the night.
It was a significant night for women in music. Doechii took home Best Rap Album for Alligator Bites Never Heal, making her only the third woman to win in the category. During her speech, she encouraged young Black women to break barriers in the music industry.
Meanwhile, Charli XCX won three awards for her dance-pop album Brat, while Sabrina Carpenter claimed Best Pop Solo Performance and Best Pop Album.
Despite multiple nominations, Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish went home empty-handed, marking a competitive year in the pop categories.
The night featured a moving tribute to Quincy Jones, led by Will Smith, who credited the legendary producer for shaping his career.
The segment included performances from Cynthia Erivo, Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder, and Janelle Monáe, who delivered a dazzling rendition of Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough in full Michael Jackson-inspired attire.
The In Memoriam section opened with a tribute to One Direction star Liam Payne, who tragically passed away in October 2024.
Beyoncé’s historic win marks a turning point in Grammy history, making her the first Black woman to win Album of the Year since Lauryn Hill in 1999.
After years of snubs, her victory is a testament to her enduring influence and impact across multiple genres.
As she put it in her speech, “I hope we just keep pushing forward and opening doors.” With Cowboy Carter, she has undoubtedly done just that.
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