Beyoncé finally clinched the Grammy Award for Album of the Year, winning for Cowboy Carter at the 2025 Grammys, marking her first triumph in this prestigious category after four previous nominations. The acclaimed artist, the most awarded in Grammy history, thanked Linda Martell, the first Black woman to perform at the Grand Ole Opry, in her acceptance speech. Host Trevor Noah celebrated this long-awaited recognition of Beyoncé’s contribution to music.
Kendrick Lamar took home Song and Record of the Year for his provocative track Not Like Us, dedicating his wins to Los Angeles neighbourhoods. The night also featured The Weeknd surprising audiences with a performance, signalling his reconciliation with the Grammys, while Chappell Roan highlighted the struggles faced by emerging artists during her acceptance speech for Best New Artist.
The ceremony embraced a country theme, with Taylor Swift presenting Beyoncé’s award, and Roan delivering a vibrant performance of Pink Pony Club. In his opening remarks, Noah acknowledged the resilience of Los Angeles amidst the recent devastating wildfires, while the event also promoted community recovery efforts. The show showcased numerous first-time winners, reflecting a shift in the music industry towards inclusivity and support for diverse voices.