"I just feel very full and very honored," Beyoncé said onstage, standing beside her 13-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, as she accepted the award. "It’s been many, many years, and I just want to thank the Grammys, every songwriter, every collaborator, every producer."Beyoncé wins Album of the Year for “Cowboy Carter” pic.twitter.com/SL17vh2aQL
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) February 3, 2025
Her victory capped off a historic night for Black artists, with Kendrick Lamar and Doechii also securing major wins.
Beyoncé’s 'Cowboy Carter' Breaks New Ground in Country Music
Accepting the award from Taylor Swift, Beyoncé appeared momentarily stunned.“I think sometimes genre is a code word to keep us in our place as artists, and I just want to encourage people to do what they’re passionate about” - Beyoncé after winning Best Country Album for “Cowboy Carter”pic.twitter.com/IEfcL1blyV
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) February 3, 2025
"Wow, I really was not expecting this," she said. "I think sometimes ‘genre’ is a code word to keep us in our place as artists. I just want to encourage people to do what they’re passionate about, and to stay persistent."
Her win follows the success of "Texas Hold ‘Em," which topped the Billboard Hot 100, and her collaboration with country pioneer Linda Martell on "Spaghetti," where Martell reflects on how musical genres often serve as barriers rather than creative spaces.
The moment also came just one day after Beyoncé announced her highly anticipated "Cowboy Carter" tour, sending the BeyHive into a frenzy online.
Kendrick Lamar Reaffirms His Grammy Dominance
KENDRICK LAMAR WINS RECORD OF THE YEAR FOR “NOT LIKE US”
— FADE (@FadeAwayMedia) February 3, 2025
AND THE WHOLE ARENA WAS SINGING ALONG WHEN WE WENT UP TO THE STAGE
LMFAOOOOO#GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/RYaCh0Sk3W
Doechii Makes History
Doechii joins Cardi B and Lauryn Hill as the only female rappers in history to win 'Best Rap Album' at the #GRAMMYs. pic.twitter.com/iUaamBzvjZ
— chart data (@chartdata) February 3, 2025
Rapsody and Erykah Badu's Collaborative Triumph
In another significant highlight of the evening, Rapsody and Erykah Badu clinched the Best Melodic Rap Performance award for their collaboration "3:AM." This victory marked Rapsody's inaugural Grammy win and Badu's first in two decades, underscoring their enduring influence in the music industry.A Night of Legacy: Quincy Jones Tribute Brings Star-Studded Lineup
The tribute included "Fly Me to the Moon," "Let the Good Times Roll," and "We Are the World," the 1985 charity single produced by Jones.
"He taught us that life is a feast, and you don’t stop ‘til you get enough," Smith said, referencing Jones’ collaborations with Michael Jackson.