Beyoncé has achieved the prestigious Album of the Year award at this year’s Grammy Awards. Despite being the most nominated artist in Grammy history, this marks her first win in the top category, having been overlooked four times previously. Only three women of color have won Album of the Year before her, with Lauryn Hill being the last to do so 26 years ago.
Accompanied by her 13-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, Beyoncé accepted the award for her chart-topping album, “Cowboy Carter,” presented by members of the Los Angeles Fire Department. She expressed her gratitude, stating, “It’s been many, many years, and I just want to thank the Grammys, every songwriter, every collaborator, every producer, all the hard work.” She dedicated her win to Linda Martell, the first commercially successful Black female artist in country music.
The competition was fierce, with notable female artists such as Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, and Taylor Swift also nominated, alongside Andre 3000 and Jacob Collier. Earlier in the evening, a surprised Beyoncé shared her disbelief after winning Best Country Album, becoming the first Black woman to receive this honor. After receiving the award from Taylor Swift, she remarked, “Wow, I really was not expecting this. I want to thank God that I’m able to do what I love after so many years.” She emphasized the importance of pursuing one’s passions, stating, “Genre is a code word to keep us in place as artists.”
Beyoncé has previously spoken out about the lack of recognition for artists of color in major Grammy categories, often being placed in genre-specific categories. Last year, her husband, Jay-Z, highlighted this issue, noting her numerous Grammy wins without an Album of the Year award. Additionally, she faced a snub at the Country Music Awards later that year, despite making history as the first Black woman to top Billboard’s country music chart with her single “Texas Hold Em’.”
Earlier in the night, Beyoncé also made history by winning Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “II Most Wanted” featuring Miley Cyrus, although Kacey Musgraves won Best Country Song for “The Architect.” Ahead of the ceremony, Beyoncé announced her plans to take “Cowboy Carter” on tour.
