LOS ANGELES (AP) — In a night filled with unforgettable moments, Beyoncé took center stage at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, winning the coveted Album of the Year award for her groundbreaking country-inspired album, Cowboy Carter. The win marks a historic milestone for the superstar, who has long been celebrated as one of music’s most influential artists but had yet to claim the Grammys’ top honor.
Beyoncé, now the most awarded artist in Grammy history, accepted the award with her daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, by her side. “It’s been many, many years,” she said in her emotional acceptance speech. “I want to dedicate this to Ms. Martell,” she added, paying tribute to Linda Martell, the first Black woman to perform at the Grand Ole Opry.
With this win, Beyoncé becomes the first Black woman to win Album of the Year in the 21st century, and only the fourth in Grammy history, following Lauryn Hill, Natalie Cole, and Whitney Houston. The victory was met with widespread acclaim, as fans and critics alike celebrated the long-overdue recognition of her artistry.
Kendrick Lamar and Chappell Roan Shine Bright
The night was also a triumph for Kendrick Lamar, who won both Song of the Year and Record of the Year for his hit single, Not Like Us. Lamar dedicated his win to the city of Los Angeles, shouting out several neighborhoods in his heartfelt speech. His victory marked only the second time a hip-hop track has won in the Record of the Year category, following Childish Gambino’s This Is America.
Meanwhile, rising star Chappell Roan took home the award for Best New Artist. In a powerful speech, Roan challenged the music industry to prioritize fair treatment and healthcare for artists, sharing her own struggles as a young artist navigating the complexities of the industry. “Labels, we got you,” she said. “But do you got us?”
The Weeknd Returns to the Grammys Stage
In a surprise performance, The Weeknd mended his strained relationship with the Recording Academy, taking the stage to perform a medley of his hits, including Cry For Me and Timeless. The performance came after years of public criticism from the artist, who had previously accused the Grammys of being “corrupt.” His return signaled a new chapter in his relationship with the awards show, which has made efforts to diversify its voting body in recent years.
Country Music Takes the Spotlight
The 2025 Grammys had a strong country theme, with Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter leading the charge. Taylor Swift presented the award for Best Country Album to Beyoncé, who made history as the first Black woman to win in the category. “Genre is a cold word to keep us in our place as artists,” Beyoncé said in her acceptance speech. “I’m still in shock. Thank you so much for this honor.”
Other country and Americana highlights included Kacey Musgraves winning Best Country Song for The Architect and Sierra Ferrell taking home the award for Best Americana Performance for American Dreaming.
Star-Studded Performances and Emotional Tributes
The evening was packed with electrifying performances, including a show-stopping medley by Sabrina Carpenter and a heartfelt rendition of Birds of a Feather by Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell. The show also paid tribute to the late Quincy Jones, with performances by Cynthia Erivo, Stevie Wonder, and Janelle Monáe, who channeled Michael Jackson in a dazzling performance of Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough.
The Beatles’ Now and Then, which utilized AI technology to complete the track, won Best Rock Performance. Sean Lennon accepted the award on behalf of his father, John Lennon, calling the Beatles “the best band of all time.”
A Night of Resilience and Unity
The 2025 Grammys also honored the resilience of Los Angeles, which has recently faced devastating wildfires. Host Trevor Noah opened the show by dedicating the evening to those affected by the fires, and the Recording Academy announced that $7 million had been raised for relief efforts during the broadcast.
As the night came to a close, it was clear that the 2025 Grammys had delivered a powerful message of unity, recognition, and celebration. From Beyoncé’s historic win to the heartfelt speeches and unforgettable performances, the evening will be remembered as a milestone in music history.