Beyoncé won Album of the Year for the first time at the Grammy Awards on Sunday with Cowboy Carter, triumphing over Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and others. The win, on her fifth nomination in the category, brings her career total to 35 Grammys. “I just feel very full and honored,” she said, standing beside daughter Blue Ivy Carter.
Kendrick Lamar took Record and Song of the Year for Not Like Us, his diss track aimed at Drake. Sweeping all five of his nominations, Lamar dedicated his wins to Los Angeles, vowing to help restore the city. Chappell Roan, named Best New Artist, urged record labels to provide fair wages and healthcare for musicians.
Swift, who holds the record for most Album of the Year wins, did not take home a trophy but presented Best Country Album to Beyoncé.
This year’s Grammys doubled as a fundraiser for wildfire relief, raising $7 million. The ceremony opened with I Love LA featuring John Legend, Brad Paisley, and others. Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars performed California Dreamin’, and firefighters received a standing ovation as they presented Album of the Year.
Stevie Wonder led a tribute to late producer Quincy Jones with We Are the World, joined by students from fire-ravaged schools. The Weeknd ended his Grammy boycott, making a surprise appearance.
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. acknowledged past criticisms, highlighting increased diversity in the voting body, now 40% people of color. The 13,000-member academy selects the winners.
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