Beyoncé has won more Grammy Awards than anyone in history, but there was always one big category missing from her trophy case: album of the year.
That changed Sunday night, as her genre-bending “Cowboy Carter” took top honors and gave her that elusive win.
“I just feel full and very, very honored,” Beyoncé said while accepting the award. “It’s been many, many years.”
Earlier in the night, Beyoncé became the first Black woman in more than 50 years to win a country Grammy when she and Miley Cyrus won the award for best country duo/group performance (“II Most Wanted”). “Cowboy Carter” also won the Grammy for best country album.
“I think sometimes genre is a cold word to keep us in our place as artists,” Beyoncé said. “And I just want to encourage people to do what they’re passionate about and stay persistent.”
Rapper Kendrick Lamar was another big winner Sunday night, as “Not Like Us” — the capstone of his feud last year with Drake — won both record of the year and song of the year.
“At the end of the day, (there is) nothing more powerful than rap music,” he said. I don’t care what it is. We are the culture. It’s going to always stay here forever.”
Comedian Trevor Noah hosted the event for the fifth straight year. This year’s telecast also focused on raising funds to support relief efforts and aid for music professionals who were impacted by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County. Near the end of the show, Noah said $7 million had already been raised by people watching from home.
Some of the other major winners Sunday included Chappell Roan, who won best new artist; Sabrina Carpenter, who won best pop vocal album ("Short n' Sweet”); and Doechii, who won best rap album (“Alligator Bites Never Heal”).
