Beyoncé makes history at the 67th Grammy Awards with her first Album of the Year win, as Los Angeles celebrates music and resilience.
Beyoncé claimed her first-ever Album of the Year Grammy for Cowboy Carter, marking a long-awaited triumph in her illustrious career. This landmark moment cemented her as the most decorated artist in Grammy history and made her the first Black woman of the 21st century to win the prestigious award. Cowboy Carter is a genre-defying album paying homage to Black artists’ contributions to country music and confronting the racial barriers within the genre.
In her acceptance speech, Beyoncé dedicated the award to Linda Martell, a pioneering Black country musician featured on the album. “I hope we just keep pushing forward, opening doors,” she said. The album, part of her Renaissance trilogy, has ignited conversations about representation and equity in country music.
Kendrick Lamar’s Dominance
Kendrick Lamar swept the Grammys, winning all five categories he was nominated for, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year for Not Like Us. The track, a West Coast anthem and diss aimed at rival Drake, shattered streaming records and became a cultural phenomenon. Lamar dedicated his victories to Los Angeles, which continues to rebuild from devastating wildfires, stating, “Nothing more powerful than rap music. We are the culture.”
A Night of Fashion and Glamour
The red carpet showcased bold and dramatic looks. Beyoncé dazzled in a Schiaparelli gown inspired by Cowboy Carter. Chappell Roan, crowned Best New Artist, stunned in a theatrical Jean-Paul Gaultier dress, while Sabrina Carpenter, winner of Best Pop Vocal Album, shone in a JW Anderson halter gown.
Performances and Philanthropy
Los Angeles was at the heart of the event, with performances paying tribute to the city and its resilience. Stevie Wonder led a moving rendition of We Are The World, joined by students who lost their schools to wildfires. Host Trevor Noah announced over $7 million raised for wildfire relief, making the evening not just a celebration of music but also a testament to solidarity.
Key Winners
Album of the Year: Cowboy Carter - Beyoncé
Record of the Year: Not Like Us - Kendrick Lamar
Song of the Year: Not Like Us - Kendrick Lamar
Best New Artist: Chappell Roan
Best Pop Vocal Album: Short n' Sweet - Sabrina Carpenter
Best Rap Album: Alligator Bites Never Heal - Doechii
Best Dance/Electronic Album: Brat - Charli XCX
Best Rock Album: Hackney Diamonds - The Rolling Stones
With AFP
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