After years of near-misses, Beyoncé has finally secured the coveted Album of the Year award at the 67th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. The global superstar won for her eighth studio album, Cowboy Carter, a project that highlights and celebrates the often-overlooked contributions of Black artists to country music.
As her name was announced, Beyoncé embraced her daughter, Blue Ivy, and husband, Jay-Z, before stepping onto the stage in a gold paisley dress. Overwhelmed with emotion, she expressed gratitude for the recognition.
“I just feel very full and very honored,” she said. “It’s been many, many years.”
The victory marks a long-awaited moment in Beyoncé’s career. Despite holding the record for the most Grammy wins in history—now 35—she had previously lost the Album of the Year category four times. Her latest win makes her the first Black woman to receive the award since Lauryn Hill’s The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill in 1999.
Beyoncé dedicated the award to Linda Martell, a pioneering Black country artist and the first Black woman to perform solo at the Grand Ole Opry. Martell’s influence is woven into Cowboy Carter, with her voice featured on several tracks.
“I hope we just keep pushing forward [and] opening doors,” Beyoncé added. “God bless y’all. Thank you so much.”
Earlier in the evening, Beyoncé also made history by winning Best Country Album, an honor she seemed genuinely surprised to receive. The award was presented by Taylor Swift, another artist who successfully transitioned between genres.
“Wow, I really was not expecting this,” Beyoncé said, acknowledging the country music community for their support.
The win follows a controversial snub at the Country Music Awards last year, despite Beyoncé becoming the first Black woman to top the Hot Country Songs chart with Texas Hold ’Em.
With Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé continues to redefine musical boundaries, while cementing her legacy as one of the most influential artists of all time.
