Beyoncé Wins Album of the Year—First Black Woman in 26 Years/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Beyoncé won Album of the Year for Cowboy Carter at the 2025 Grammy Awards, marking her first win in the category after four previous nominations. She is the first Black woman in 26 years to win the top prize. The night also featured a powerful tribute to Los Angeles’ wildfire victims, star-studded performances, and emotional speeches from artists addressing social issues, diversity, and artist rights.

Beyoncé’s Historic Grammy Win: Quick Looks
- Beyoncé won Album of the Year for Cowboy Carter, her first in the category.
- She is the first Black woman to win since Lauryn Hill (1999).
- Kendrick Lamar took home Song & Record of the Year for Not Like Us.
- The Weeknd reconciled with the Grammys, performing after years of criticism.
- Chappell Roan won Best New Artist and called for better artist treatment.
- Tributes honored wildfire victims and legendary producer Quincy Jones.
- Sabrina Carpenter, Shakira, & The Beatles were among first-time winners.
- Beyoncé also won Best Country Album, the first Black woman to do so.
Beyoncé Wins Album of the Year—First Black Woman in 26 Years
Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Wins Big at the 2025 Grammys
A Long-Awaited Victory
- The first Black woman in 26 years to win Album of the Year.
- Only the fourth Black woman ever to win (after Lauryn Hill, Natalie Cole, & Whitney Houston).
- The most awarded artist in Grammys history.
Beyoncé accepted her award from members of the Los Angeles Fire Department, a nod to the recent wildfires that devastated parts of California.
“It’s been many, many years,” she said. “I dedicate this to Ms. Martell,” referencing Linda Martell, the first Black woman to play the Grand Ole Opry.
Kendrick Lamar Sweeps Song & Record of the Year
Kendrick Lamar took home both Song and Record of the Year for his viral diss track Not Like Us.
“We’re gonna dedicate this one to the city,” Lamar said, shouting out Los Angeles.
This is only the second hip-hop song to win Record of the Year, following Childish Gambino’s This Is America in 2019.
The Weeknd Returns, Chappell Roan’s Industry Callout
The Weeknd, who once called the Grammys “corrupt”, surprised fans with a live performance—a sign of mended relations after the Recording Academy worked to diversify its voting body.
Chappell Roan, winner of Best New Artist, used her speech to challenge record labels:
“Offer a living wage and healthcare to developing artists. Labels, we got you. But do you got us?”
Her words resonated in an industry where many young artists struggle financially despite their success.
Beyoncé & Chappell Roan Bring a Country Twist
Beyoncé won Best Country Album, making history as the first Black woman to win the category.
“Genre is a cold word used to keep artists in their place,” she said in her speech.
Meanwhile, Chappell Roan brought cowboy energy to the show with a theatrical performance of Pink Pony Club, featuring dancing clown cowboys and a giant pink horse.
Grammy Night Highlights: Wildfire Tributes, Star Performances & More
A Night for Los Angeles & Wildfire Relief
The Grammy Awards paid tribute to the Los Angeles wildfires, which destroyed thousands of homes.
- Host Trevor Noah dedicated the show to those affected.
- $7 million was raised during the broadcast for relief efforts.
- Billie Eilish performed Birds of a Feather on a stage designed like the LA mountains.
- Dawes, John Legend, Brad Paisley, Sheryl Crow & Brittany Howard opened with I Love L.A., paying homage to the city.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers even led a singalong of Under the Bridge to encourage support for fire victims.
Tribute to Quincy Jones
The legendary producer Quincy Jones, who passed away at 91, was honored with an all-star performance:
- Cynthia Erivo & Herbie Hancock performed Fly Me to the Moon.
- Lainey Wilson & Jacob Collier played Let the Good Times Roll.
- Stevie Wonder & Hancock performed We Are The World with student choirs from fire-damaged schools.
- Janelle Monáe gave a Michael Jackson-inspired performance of Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough.
“You wouldn’t even know who Will Smith was without Quincy Jones,” Smith said while introducing the segment.
More Big Winners & First-Time Grammy Recipients
Doechii Wins Best Rap Album
Doechii made history as only the third woman to win Best Rap Album, following Lauryn Hill & Cardi B.
“This category was introduced in 1989. Three women have won: Lauryn Hill, Cardi B, and Doechii.”
First-Time Grammy Winners
Several artists won their first-ever Grammys, including:
- Sabrina Carpenter (Short n’ Sweet, Best Pop Vocal Album).
- Shakira (Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, Best Latin Pop Album).
- Charli XCX, Música Mexicana star Carin León, & metal band Gojira.
The Beatles & AI-Generated Music
The Beatles’ AI-assisted track Now and Then won Best Rock Performance.
- Sean Lennon accepted the award for his father, John Lennon.
- “As far as I’m concerned, it’s the best band of all time.”
Grammy Speeches & Social Impact
Many artists used their speeches to address social issues:
- Shakira: “I dedicate this award to all my immigrant brothers and sisters.”
- Lady Gaga: “Trans people are not invisible. The queer community deserves to be lifted up.”
- Alicia Keys (Dr. Dre Global Impact Award): “DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) is not a threat. It’s a gift.”
The 2025 Grammy Awards were not only a celebration of music but also a powerful platform for social change.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.