For the first time, Beyoncé won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year on Sunday with her country album “Cowboy Carter,” beating Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish.
This prestigious award, akin to the Oscars in music, marks a major milestone for the 43-year-old superstar who is finally acknowledged by her peers. She also secured two more Grammys on Sunday, including Best Country Album.
Despite her numerous awards in lesser categories, Beyoncé had never previously won the top honours for Album of the Year or Record of the Year. Her vast collection of minor accolades made her the most awarded artist in Grammy history.
The 67th Grammy ceremony reversed this anomaly, honouring “Cowboy Carter,” a critically and publicly acclaimed country album, for which Beyoncé announced a tour just hours before the event.
“It has been many years,” Beyoncé said on stage, clearly relieved. “I hope we continue to move forward and break new ground.” With this win, “Queen B” becomes the fourth black woman to win the Grammy for Album of the Year, following Lauryn Hill, Natalie Cole, and Whitney Houston.
The album “Cowboy Carter,” where the Houston-born singer delves into her Texan roots, earned her 11 nominations. She also won Best Country Duo/Group Performance for her song “II Most Wanted,” featuring Miley Cyrus.
Rapper Kendrick Lamar won Record of the Year for his track “Not Like Us,” fuelling his ongoing feud with rival Drake. Lamar triumphed over Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Billie Eilish for this prestigious award, setting the stage for his performance at the upcoming Super Bowl.
Newcomer Chappell Roan was named Best New Artist on Sunday, heralding the rise of this fresh queer pop sensation. Her album “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” catapulted her to fame, showcasing her touching vulnerability, exploration of sexuality, and evoking nostalgia with delicate pop rhythms.
During her acceptance speech, she called for better pay and medical coverage for young artists from record labels, earning applause from the assembled music stars.
The ceremony also had a Belgian touch, with the Brussels Philharmonic and jazz star Bill Frisell vying for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for “Orchestras (Live).” The award ultimately went to Taylor Eigsti for “Plot Armor.”
The 67th Grammy Awards ceremony started with a heartfelt tribute to the victims of the Los Angeles fires, urging support for them.
