After six nominations in the category, Queen Bey has finally won the coveted statue for ‘COWBOY CARTER’.
The announcement came as a moment of disbelief for the pop icon, who gracefully took to the stage with her daughter, Blue Ivy, by her side, amid roaring applause from an audience that has witnessed her journey over the years.
Earlier that night, Beyoncé had already etched her name in the history books as she received the award for Best Country Album, becoming the first Black woman to achieve this accolade. Her win for “Cowboy Carter” marks a significant moment in both her career and the music industry, highlighting the profound impact of Black artists in the country genre. With this double win, her versatility and influence across musical styles were unequivocally acknowledged.
As she accepted the coveted Album of the Year award, Beyoncé took a moment to express her gratitude, beginning with a heartfelt nod to the Los Angeles County Fire Department members who presented the award. “I’d like to thank and acknowledge and praise all the firefighters keeping us safe,” she stated, grounding her acceptance speech in community appreciation.
“I just feel very full and very honored,” she continued, radiating emotion after what she described as years of hard work and dedication. “It’s been many years, and I just want to thank the GRAMMYs, every songwriter, and those who believed in this project.”
Her heartfelt acknowledgment speaks to both the struggles and triumphs that shape artists’ journeys in the music industry. “Cowboy Carter,” a bold exploration of identity and culture, showcases her growth as an artist and her commitment to pushing boundaries within the genre. The project has not only captivated audiences but has also sparked discussions on the blending of country and pop influences, cultivating a new wave of sound.
A reminder of the power of resilience
Beyoncé dedicated her award to Linda Martell, a country music singer who made history as the first Black woman to perform at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Martell’s story was a central theme in COWBOY CARTER, which aimed to restore the presence of Black artists in a genre traditionally dominated by white performers.
“I want to dedicate this to Mrs. Martell, and I hope we continue to move forward, breaking down barriers. God bless everyone,” Beyoncé said.
Despite being nominated for Album of the Year six times, she had never won until now. Her pursuit of the award was even playfully acknowledged by host Trevor Noah.
“She has had 99 nominations, and now Album of the Year is one of them,” he joked, referencing the song “99 Problems” by her husband Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, as well as her 99 Grammy nominations.
Beyoncé was nominated in this category alongside André 3000, Sabrina Carpenter, Charli xcx, Jacob Collier, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, and Taylor Swift. In addition to winning Best Country Album, she also received the Best Country Duo/Group Performance award for “II MOST WANTED,” her collaboration with Miley Cyrus, during the Premiere Ceremony earlier that day.
Beyoncé also announced a tour for COWBOY CARTER a day before the Grammy ceremony; the announcement had been postponed from January due to wildfires in Los Angeles.
