On Sunday night, Beyoncé shattered yet another barrier in the music industry, winning the Grammy for Best Country Album with her groundbreaking record Cowboy Carter.
The album, a powerful statement on the Nashville-centered country music scene and its historical sidelining of Black artists, has sparked conversations about race, genre, and representation in the industry.
This victory marks her second award of the night, adding to her status as the most decorated artist in Grammy history.
But with four more nominations—including Album of the Year and Record of the Year, two of the biggest honors she has yet to win—Beyoncé’s name remains at the center of the awards conversation.
Taking the stage to accept her award, the global icon was visibly emotional.
“I really was not expecting this,” she admitted, her voice shaking with emotion. “Sometimes, genre is just a code word to keep us in our place as artists.”
With husband Jay-Z and daughter Blue Ivy cheering from the audience, Beyoncé used the moment to uplift others pursuing their dreams.
“I just want to encourage people to do what they’re passionate about and to stay persistent,” she said. “I still am in shock. Thank you so much for this honor.”
Chappell Roan Calls Out Industry After Winning Best New Artist
The prestigious Best New Artist award went to Chappell Roan, a singer-songwriter who skyrocketed from an industry underdog to one of music’s most talked-about new stars.
While her rise may seem meteoric, Roan made it clear that the journey was far from easy. In her acceptance speech, she revealed that she was dropped by her label during the pandemic and struggled to stay afloat.
“I told myself that if I ever won a Grammy and got to stand up here before the most powerful people in music, I would demand that labels—who make millions off artists—offer a livable wage and health care, especially to developing artists,” she said, earning applause from the crowd.
She didn’t hold back in calling out the industry’s shortcomings.
“It was devastating to feel so committed to my art and feel so betrayed by the system and dehumanized,” she continued. “Labels, we got you—but do you got us?”
Roan’s powerful speech came after a high-energy medley performed by her fellow Best New Artist nominees, including Doechii, Benson Boone, Teddy Swims, Shaboozey, and Raye.
Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, and More Shine Bright
Rising pop star Sabrina Carpenter took home the Best Pop Vocal Album award, marking her second Grammy win of the evening. Earlier, she wowed audiences with an Old Hollywood-inspired performance of her hits Espresso and Please Please Please.
Meanwhile, rapper Doechii delivered one of the night’s most emotional speeches when she accepted the Best Rap Album award from Cardi B, who had also won the category in the past.
Fighting back tears, Doechii used the moment to empower other Black women.
“To every Black woman watching me right now—I want you to know that you can do this,” she declared. “Don’t let anyone tell you that you don’t belong, that you’re too dark, too loud, or not smart enough. You are exactly who you need to be.”
Kendrick Lamar and Charli XCX Score Big
Rap legend Kendrick Lamar and pop sensation Charli XCX each claimed three awards, solidifying their places as some of the night’s biggest winners. Both artists remain strong contenders for the evening’s top prizes, heightening anticipation as the ceremony progresses.
A Night of Music, Unity, and Wildfire Relief
Beyond the awards and performances, this year’s Grammy Awards paid tribute to Los Angeles, a city that has long been a global hub for music and entertainment but has recently faced devastating wildfires.
Throughout the ceremony, a QR code for donations was displayed, encouraging viewers to contribute to relief efforts for music industry members affected by the fires. The night opened with a supergroup performance featuring Sheryl Crow and John Legend, who delivered a moving rendition of I Love LA by Randy Newman.
Later, Chappell Roan had the crowd on its feet with a high-energy, circus-themed performance of Pink Pony Club, a song that celebrates the city’s vibrant culture.
Billie Eilish, the night’s most-nominated artist, also took the stage for a heartfelt performance of Birds of a Feather, wearing an LA Dodgers baseball cap while standing before a backdrop showcasing the city’s mountains and valleys.
As her song ended, she looked out at the audience and simply said:
“I love you, LA.”
With the night far from over, all eyes remain on Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, and the other top contenders. Will Queen Bey finally take home Album of the Year, a prize that has eluded her for years? Or will another artist claim the night’s highest honor?
One thing is certain—the 2025 Grammy Awards are already a night to remember.
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