'Cowboy Carter': Beyoncé finally wins Album of the Year Grammy
What's the story
It was Beyoncé's Grammy Awards through and through! Going into the night, the star was the most nominated artist with 11 nods and emerged victorious as her album Cowboy Carter won the Album of the Year award. The win was a long time coming after four failed nominations in the category before. The album is a unique mix of genres, reflecting Beyoncé's take on country music's deep roots in Black music and its continued influence from Black artists.
Predicted victory
'Cowboy Carter' was a predicted winner
The success of Cowboy Carter had been predicted by many, despite past disappointments with Beyoncé's major albums like Lemonade. The prediction dates back to the album's March release, with Variety suggesting it could be an "Unstoppable Frontrunner for the Album of the Year Grammy." Notably, the 43-year-old is the most nominated as well as the most awarded artist in Grammy history but somehow always fell short of winning the coveted best album award.
Multiple wins
Beyoncé's historic night at the Grammys
Beyoncé's win wasn't just a one-off. Earlier in the night, she was awarded the Country Album of the Year trophy by presenter Taylor Swift. In a pre-telecast premiere ceremony, she also won Best Country Duo/Group Performance for her duet with Miley Cyrus II Most Wanted.
Emotional response
Beyoncé's reaction to her historic Grammy win
Beyoncé's country win was historic as she became the first Black woman to win a Grammy for a country album in 50 years. The Pointer Sisters had won in a similar category in 1975. Clearly surprised by her win, Beyoncé said, "I really was not expecting this. Wow... Genre is a cold word to keep us in our place as artists...I'm still in shock. Thank you so much for this honor."
Twitter Post
County of LA Fire Department presented AOTY award
Congrats Album Of The Year winner - ‘COWBOY CARTER’ @beyonce #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/7HW4xpbghW
— Recording Academy / GRAMMYs (@RecordingAcad) February 3, 2025