Wow, I really was not expecting this, all of the incredible country artists who had voted for the prize
Correcting what was widely seen as an historic wrong, Beyoncé won best album at the 67th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.
The star was recognised for her eighth album, Cowboy Carter, which celebrates and contextualises the black roots of country music. She had previously been passed over for the ceremony’s main prize on four separate occasions.
As her name was read out, Beyoncé hugged her daughter Blue Ivy, then her husband Jay-Z, before walking to the stage in a gold paisley dress to accept the trophy.
“I just feel very full and very honoured,” she said. “It’s been many, many years.”
The singer dedicated her award to Linda Martell, one of the pioneers for black musicians in country music and the first black woman to perform solo at the Grand Ole Opry (Ms Martell features on several of Cowboy Carter’s songs).
“I hope we just keep pushing forward [and] opening doors,” Beyoncé continued. “God bless y’all. Thank you so much.”
The star’s victory comes 25 years after her first Grammy nomination, as part of the R&B group Destiny’s Child.
She went on to become the most-awarded artist in Grammys history, with a haul of 35 trophies – but the main prize eluded her until Sunday night.
In the end, it took a switch of genre to earn the Texas-born musician a win.
Focusing on country and Americana, Cowboy Carter is the second part of a trilogy of albums that interrogates American musical traditions and uncovers the often unheralded contributions made by black artists.
Notably, it makes Beyoncé the first black woman to win album of the year since 1999, when Lauryn Hill’s The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill took the title.
Country surprise
Earlier in the evening, Cowboy Carter also won the Grammy for best country album – to Beyoncé’s evident surprise.
A stunned expression shot across the 43-year-old’s face as her name was read out.
The star and her husband Jay-Z (behind centre) looked shocked as the announcement was made
In a moment laced with symbolism, that announcement came from Taylor Swift – another artist who successfully switched genres, and who previously beat Beyoncé to the album of the year prize in 2010.
“Wow, I really was not expecting this,” said Beyoncé in her acceptance speech, thanking “all of the incredible country artists” who had voted for the prize.
The recognition came five months after she was snubbed at the Country Music Awards – even after she became the first black woman to have a number one hit on the Hot Country Songs chart, with Texas Hold ‘Em.
FULL LIST
Record of the Year: “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
Song of the Year: “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar, songwriter (Kendrick Lamar)
Best New Artist: Chappell Roan
Best Pop Solo Performance: “Espresso” – Sabrina Carpenter
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: “Die with a Smile – Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga
Best Pop Vocal Album: “Short n’ Sweet” – Sabrina Carpenter
Best Rap Album: “Alligator Bites Never Heal” – Doechii
Best Rap Song: “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
Best Rap Performance: “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
Best Music Video: “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
Best Dance/Electronic Album: “Brat” – Charli XCX
Best Rock Album: “Hackney Diamonds” – The Rolling Stones
Best Rock Performance: “Now and Then” – The Beatles
Best Country Album: “Cowboy Carter” – Beyonce
Best Country Solo Performance: “It Takes a Woman” – Chris Stapleton
Best Country Duo/Group Performance: “II Most Wanted” – Beyonce ft. Miley Cyrus
Best African Music Performance: “Love Me JeJe” – Tems
bbc.com