At the 67th Grammy Awards, Beyoncé, the most-awarded and most-nominated artist in Grammys history, secured her first Album of the Year win for “Cowboy Carter.” This marked her fifth nomination in the category and her inaugural victory. The evening was significant for “Cowboy Carter,” which also clinched Best Country Music Album, making Beyoncé the first female Black artist to win in that category.
Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” stemming from his rap feud with Drake, dominated its nominations, winning Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
Female artists led major categories: Chappell Roan was named Best New Artist, Doechii won Best Rap Album, and Sabrina Carpenter took Best Pop Vocal Album.
The ceremony featured triumphs, surprises, and poignant moments, with artists reflecting on the impact of the Los Angeles wildfires and delivering statements amid political unrest.
Beyoncé expressed surprise upon winning Best Country Album, presented by Taylor Swift. She thanked country artists for embracing her work and encouraged persistence in pursuing passions.
Upon winning Album of the Year after four previous nominations, Beyoncé expressed gratitude, noting, “It’s been many, many years.” With 11 nominations, she was the frontrunner of the evening.
Earlier, Beyoncé made history by winning Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “II Most Wanted” with Miley Cyrus, becoming the first Black woman to win a country music Grammy.
Canadian musician Dave Hamelin, as producer, engineer, and mixer on “Cowboy Carter,” shared in the album’s success.
Other Canadian winners included Montreal conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin, earning his fifth Grammy for work on Netflix’s “Maestro” soundtrack, and Toronto songwriter Scott Zhang, who won Best R&B Song as part of the team behind SZA’s “Saturn.”
Following devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County, the Grammys focused on raising funds for relief efforts. Host Trevor Noah encouraged donations, with viewers contributing over $7 million by the broadcast’s end.
Accepting Record of the Year, Lamar highlighted his connection to L.A., stating, “This is my neck of the woods.”
Some ad time promoted L.A. businesses affected by the fires, featuring celebrities like Doja Cat and Avril Lavigne.
Performances honored L.A., including an ensemble opening celebrating firefighters and the city’s resilience, and a cover of “California Dreamin'” by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars.
Chappell Roan, after a rapid rise, won Best New Artist. In her speech, she urged record labels to provide artists with healthcare and livable wages, sharing her personal challenges after being dropped by a label.
In her debut Grammys performance, Roan sang “Pink Pony Club” atop a giant pink horse, accompanied by dancers in clown makeup.
Doechii won Best Rap Album for “Alligator Bites Never Heal,” becoming the third woman to win in the category, following Cardi B and Lauryn Hill. She encouraged others to pursue their dreams, stating, “Anything is possible. Don’t allow anybody to project any stereotypes on you.”
Sabrina Carpenter secured Best Pop Vocal Album for “Short n’ Sweet” after an energetic performance medley. She expressed surprise, noting it was her first Grammy win.
Several artists used their platform to address pressing issues. Alicia Keys, accepting the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award, emphasized the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, stating, “DEI is not a threat, it’s a gift.”
Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Die With a Smile.” Gaga voiced support for the transgender community, asserting, “Trans people deserve love, the queer community deserves to be lifted up.”
Shakira won Best Latin Pop Album for “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran,” her first album in seven years, dedicating the award to immigrants and expressing love for her children present in the audience.
The night featured a surprise performance by The Weeknd, ending his Grammys boycott. He performed songs from his new album, “Hurry Up Tomorrow.”
A tribute honored Quincy Jones, with performances by Cynthia Erivo, Jacob Collier, Lainey Wilson, Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder, and Janelle Monáe, celebrating his vast influence.
Chris Martin of Coldplay led the in-memoriam segment, honoring musicians and artists lost in 2024, including Liam Payne, Kris Kristofferson, Tito Jackson, Marianne Faithfull, Seiji Ozawa, and Wayne Osmond.
Other performances included Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather,” a medley from Charli XCX’s “Brat,” and showcases by Best New Artist nominees Benson Boone, Doechii, Teddy Swims, Shaboozey, and Raye.
Source: Swifteradio.com
