Beyoncé Finally Wins Album Of The Year Grammy: ‘It’s Been Many, Many Years’
It finally happened. Decades into her career, after several nominations and snubs, Beyoncé finally won the Grammy for Album of the Year. She took home the long-awaited trophy last night for her 2024 country album, Cowboy Carter. Her past nominated albums in the category include I Am ...Sasha Fierce, Beyoncé, Lemonade, and Renaissance, but this marks her first-ever win.
Beyoncé tearfully responded to the news when her name was announced (by members of the Los Angeles Fire Department, who introduced the final award of the night). She embraced her husband Jay-Z in the audience before gracing the stage alongside her daughter, Blue Ivy.
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Though her speech was brief, she referenced how long she had been waiting for this esteemed honour: 'It’s been many, many years.' She also dedicated her award to Linda Martell, the first commercially successful Black female country artist, whom she also honoured on the album.
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Read her full speech here:
“I’d like to thank and acknowledge and praise all of the firefighters for keeping us safe. I just feel very full and very honoured. It’s been many, many years. I just want to thank the Grammys, every songwriter, every collaborator, every producer, all of the hard work. I want to dedicate this to Ms. Martel, and I hope we just keep pushing forward, opening doors. God bless y’all. Thank you so much. Thank you.”
Earlier in the night, Beyoncé also took home the Grammy for Best Country Album (much to her own surprise). It was the perfect karma years after she faced backlash and rejection from the country industry following her 2016 performance at the CMAs. Before tonight’s ceremony even began, she and Miley Cyrus were also awarded for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for 'II Most Wanted.'
Beyoncé briefly referenced her Album of the Year snubs in the Cowboy Carter track 'SWEET ★ HONEY ★ BUCKIIN.' She sang, 'A-O-T-Y, I ain’t win (let’s go) / I ain’t stuntin’ ’bout them / Take that shit on the chin / Come back and fuck up the pen (yeah).' And that’s exactly what she did.
The celebrations don’t end with tonight’s ceremony. Beyoncé just announced a Cowboy Carter Tour, which fans are expecting to take place later this year (though she hasn’t announced exact dates yet). But after her big win, we can’t wait to see her saddle up again.
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