Beyoncé Makes History with Grammy Win for Cowboy Carter
LOS ANGELES — In a long-awaited moment of triumph, Beyoncé took home the award for best album at the 67th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. The star’s eighth album, Cowboy Carter, which delves into the black roots of country music, finally earned her the recognition she deserved. This victory corrected what many viewed as an historic wrong, as she had previously been snubbed for the ceremony’s main prize on four separate occasions.
As Beyoncé’s name was announced, she embraced her daughter Blue Ivy and husband Jay-Z, before strutting to the stage in a stunning gold paisley dress to claim her trophy.
“I just feel very full and very honored,” she said. “It’s been many, many years.”
Beyoncé dedicated her award to Linda Martell, a trailblazer for black musicians in country music and the first black woman to perform solo at the Grand Ole Opry. Martell features on several tracks on Cowboy Carter.
“I hope we just keep pushing forward [and] opening doors,” Beyoncé continued. “God bless y’all. Thank you so much.”
The pop icon’s win comes a quarter-century after her first Grammy nomination as part of the R&B group Destiny’s Child. She now holds the record for the most Grammy wins in history, with a total of 35 trophies. However, the prestigious album of the year award had always eluded her until Sunday night.
It was a genre switch that ultimately led to Beyoncé’s victory. Cowboy Carter, focusing on country and Americana, is the second installment of a trilogy that explores American musical traditions and highlights the often overlooked contributions of black artists.
Notably, Beyoncé became the first black woman to win album of the year since 1999, when Lauryn Hill’s The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill claimed the title.
Earlier in the evening, Cowboy Carter also secured the Grammy for best country album — a win that caught Beyoncé by surprise.
In a moment rich with symbolism, Taylor Swift announced Beyoncé’s win, a fellow artist who successfully transitioned genres and had previously bested Beyoncé for the album of the year award in 2010.
“Wow, I really was not expecting this,” Beyoncé said in her acceptance speech, expressing gratitude to the “incredible country artists” who voted for her.
The recognition came after Beyoncé’s snub at the Country Music Awards, despite her historic achievement of becoming the first black woman with a number one hit on the Hot Country Songs chart with Texas Hold ‘Em.
Furthermore, the rap hit Texas Hold ‘Em lost the record of the year Grammy to Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us. Lamar’s track, the climax of his longstanding rap feud with Drake, swept all five categories it was nominated in, including song of the year, best rap song, and best music video.
Amidst the musical triumphs, the Grammy Awards also served as a fundraiser for areas hit by wildfires, raising over $7 million. The ceremony opened with a poignant performance by local band Dawes, who lost their homes in the fires, playing Randy Newman’s I Love LA.
Los Angeles native Billie Eilish followed with a powerful rendition of her hit Birds Of A Feather against a backdrop inspired by California’s natural beauty, expressing her love for the city.
Throughout the night, artists like Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars paid tribute to the first responders who battled the wildfires with a stirring performance of California Dreamin’.
The ceremony also saw British pop star Charli XCX win three awards for her album Brat, and the Beatles were honored with the best rock performance award for their song Now And Then, created using machine learning from a demo by the late John Lennon.
Chappell Roan, named best new artist, used her platform to advocate for fair pay and conditions in the music industry, challenging labels to prioritize artists’ well-being.
Furthermore, Lady Gaga stood up for the LGBTQ+ community amidst recent executive orders by President Trump, emphasizing the importance of visibility and inclusivity.
As the evening came to a close, the Grammy Awards celebrated not only musical excellence but also resilience and unity in the face of adversity.
**Historic Win for Doechii at Main Ceremony**
In a groundbreaking moment at the main ceremony, Florida-born rapper Doechii took home the first prize for Best Rap Album with her mixtape “Alligator Bites Never Heal.” This victory marked only the third time a woman has won the category since its inception in 1989, following in the footsteps of icons Lauryn Hill and Cardi B.
Doechii seized the moment to empower black women everywhere, declaring, “You can do it. Anything is possible.” She urged others not to let stereotypes or barriers hold them back, emphasizing that they are exactly where they need to be. Her emotional speech resonated with the audience, ending with a grateful nod to a higher power.
**Female Artists Shine Bright at Award Show**
The night belonged to female artists as newcomer Sabrina Carpenter clinched two awards. Her hit song “Espresso” earned her Best Pop Solo Performance, while her album “Short n’ Sweet” secured the title of Best Pop Album. However, the fierce competition saw Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish leaving empty-handed despite their multiple nominations.
The star-studded event featured captivating performances from Charli XCX, Teddy Swims, Chappell Roan, Benson Boone, and Shakira. Alicia Keys was honored with a lifetime achievement award, highlighting her illustrious career in the music industry.
**Tribute to Quincy Jones Steals the Show**
The evening took a poignant turn with a heartfelt tribute to the late Quincy Jones, who passed away last year at 91. Will Smith, in his first televised appearance since a controversial incident at the Oscars, praised Jones for his groundbreaking influence on music. The tribute included performances by Cynthia Erivo and Herbie Hancock, showcasing Jones’s timeless arrangements.
The homage continued with Stevie Wonder’s rendition of “We Are The World” and Janelle Monaé’s electrifying performance of Michael Jackson’s classic “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough.” The star-studded tribute captured the essence of Jones’s legendary career and enduring impact on the music industry.
