Beyoncé finally secured the coveted Album of the Year award at the 67th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, winning for Cowboy Carter, an album that highlights the Black roots of country music.
The singer, previously overlooked for the Grammys’ top honor four times, was visibly emotional as she accepted the award, embracing her daughter Blue Ivy and husband Jay-Z before taking the stage. Dressed in a gold paisley gown, she expressed gratitude, saying, “I just feel very full and very honored. It’s been many, many years.”
Beyoncé dedicated her win to Linda Martell, a trailblazer for Black country artists, who also appears on Cowboy Carter. “I hope we just keep pushing forward [and] opening doors,” she said in her speech.
Earlier in the night, the album also won Best Country Album, a surprise even to Beyoncé. Taylor Swift, who has also successfully transitioned between genres, presented the award, making the moment even more symbolic.
The recognition follows Beyoncé’s exclusion from the Country Music Awards, despite making history as the first Black woman to top Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart with Texas Hold ‘Em. That track was nominated for Record of the Year but lost to Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us, which dominated the rap categories.
The Grammys also served as a fundraiser for California wildfire relief efforts, raising over $7 million. Hosted by Trevor Noah, the event honored firefighters, with performances dedicated to their heroism, including a rendition of California Dreamin’ by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars.
