Beyoncé has won album of the year for Cowboy Carter at the 2025 Grammys, delivering her — at last — the show’s elusive top award.
The artist, who holds the record for both the most wins and nominations in Grammy history, has received four nominations in this category before, and many believe that she has been overlooked for the top awards.
Members of the Los Angeles Fire Department presented Beyoncé with the trophy.
Music’s biggest stars hit the red carpet for Grammy Awards
“It’s been many, many years,” Beyoncé said in her speech.
“I would like to dedicate this to Ms. Martell,” she declared, making a reference to Linda Martell, the artist who made history as the first Black woman to perform at the Grand Ole Opry.
“We finally saw it happen, everyone,” host Trevor Noah said, nodding to the long overdue achievement for one of music’s transcendent artists.
Most of the nominees for the best new artist participated in a medley performance: including Khruangbin with May Ninth, Benson Boone with Beautiful Things, Doechii performing Catfish and Denial Is a River, Teddy Swims with Lose Control, Shaboozey singing Good News and A Bar Song (Tipsy), and RAYE presenting Oscar Winning Tears.
Shakira won Latin pop album for Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran and gave a powerful, short speech.
“I want to dedicate this award to all my immigrant brothers and sisters in this country,” she said.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Anthony Kiedis and Chad Smith led the crowd in a short singalong of their hit Under the Bridge, reminding the crowd to “support their friends and neighbours as they rebuild their lives,” said Kiedis.
Then they presented the best pop vocal album award to Carpenter for Short n’ Sweet.
“I really wasn’t expecting this,” she said.
“This is, woo, my first Grammy so I’m going to cry.”
She’s now won two, but the earlier award was handed out a pre-telecast ceremony that many artists don’t attend.
Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars teamed up for a cover of California Dreamin’.
Later, SZA presented them with the award for best pop duo/group performance for Die With A Smile.
“Trans people are not invisible. … The queer community deserves to be lifted up,” Gaga said in her speech.
Alicia Keys was awarded the Dr Dre Global Impact Award.
“DEI is not a threat, it’s a gift,” she said in her speech.
“The more voices, the more powerful the sound.”
First-time winners were abundant.
They included Carpenter, Roan, Doechii, Charli xcx, Amy Allen, Música Mexicana star Carin León, French metal band Gojira and country folk artist Sierra Ferrell.
