Correcting what was widely regarded as a historic oversight, Beyoncé won Best Album at the 67th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.
The star was recognized for her eighth album, Cowboy Carter, which celebrates and contextualizes the Black roots of country music. This win came after she had been passed over for the ceremony’s top prize on four previous occasions.
As her name was announced, Beyoncé embraced her daughter Blue Ivy and then her husband Jay-Z before walking to the stage in a gold paisley dress to accept the trophy.
“I just feel very full and very honoured,” she said. “It’s been many, many years.”
The singer dedicated her award to Linda Martell, one of the pioneers for Black musicians in country music and the first Black woman to perform solo at the Grand Ole Opry. (Ms. Martell is featured on several tracks of Cowboy Carter.)
“I hope we just keep pushing forward [and] opening doors,” Beyoncé said. “God bless y’all. Thank you so much.”
Her victory comes 25 years after her first Grammy nomination with the R&B group Destiny’s Child. She has since become the most-awarded artist in Grammy history, with 35 trophies—though the top prize had eluded her until that night.#newsafro_
