Beyoncé Makes Grammy History with Album of the Year Win for 'Cowboy Carter' Amidst Industry Shifts
Beyoncé's historic win for 'Cowboy Carter' is a significant moment for representation in music at the 2025 Grammys.
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Summary
At the 2025 Grammy Awards, Beyoncé made history by winning Album of the Year for 'Cowboy Carter,' her first win in this category after multiple nominations, becoming the fourth Black woman to achieve this. Her acceptance speech emphasized the need to overcome color lines in music. Kendrick Lamar also made a significant impact with five awards for 'Not Like Us.' While Taylor Swift received six nominations but went home empty-handed, she maintained a celebratory presence at the event, showcasing her status in the industry. The Recording Academy appears to be making strides toward diversification.
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From the Left
The Weeknd ended his four-year boycott of the Grammys by performing at the ceremony, signaling a notable shift in his relationship with the Recording Academy and its leadership under Harvey Mason Jr.
The 2025 Grammys showcased a significant increase in diversity, with nearly 40% of the voting members being people of color and the inclusion of numerous female artists across major award categories.
Beyoncé won Album of the Year for 'Cowboy Carter,' marking her historic first win in this category, amidst longstanding criticisms of systemic racism and misogyny within the music industry's award structures.
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From the Right
Taylor Swift received six nominations at the 2025 Grammys but went home empty-handed despite strong competition, including a loss to Kendrick Lamar for his controversial track 'Not Like Us.'
The appearance of Kanye West and Bianca Censori at the Grammys sparked significant controversy, with criticism directed at their provocative wardrobe choices and actions, illustrating the ongoing drama surrounding the artist.
Critics noted that while Beyoncé's historic wins reflected her artistic evolution, some felt her Album of the Year recognition was long overdue and that the Grammys’ previous snubs highlighted ongoing biases in the music industry.
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Highlights (15)
Despite leaving the 2025 Grammy Awards empty-handed, Swift's exuberant spirit and carefree attitude shone through as she celebrated the night with friends, highlighting her ability to enjoy the moment regardless of accolades.
Taylor Swift's Grammys Champagne Shares Musical Connection With Fellow A-List Artist
Rolling Stone
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Dave Portnoy's unabashed mockery of Taylor Swift's supposed control over the Grammys exemplifies a broader trend of celebrity rivalry and the relentless pursuit of shock value in pop culture.
Dave Portnoy teases Taylor Swift for getting Kanye removed from Grammys
Newsweek
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While Beyoncé's historic win at the Grammys is indeed a moment of triumph, it should not be misconstrued as the pinnacle of her career, given the ongoing complexities surrounding the institution's relationship with Black music and her artistic journey.
Beyoncé finally won album of the year. Don't mistake this moment for her peak
NPR
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Even in defeat, Taylor Swift radiates confidence and joy, showcasing her stature in the industry and proving that she doesn't need accolades to affirm her success.
Taylor Swift lost every award at the 2025 Grammys. That's a good thing.
Business Insider
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Sunday’s edition suggests something may have shifted, as the Grammy Awards finally recognized the contributions of Black artists and women, reflecting a contemporary interest in diverse musical talents.
Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar led one of the best Grammys in years. Has the awards show transformed?
Associated Press
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Beyoncé's triumph with 'Cowboy Carter' serves as a powerful statement against an industry steeped in racial inequities and misogyny, highlighting the necessity of breaking the rules to challenge oppressive structures.
MSNBC
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It was way too late, and it’s not the first-, second-, or even third-most deserving album in her catalogue. But Beyoncé finally did it! Two years after becoming the winningest artist at the Grammys, she earned her true white whale, Album of the Year.
Which of Beyoncé’s Wins Have the Grammys Gotten Right?
New York Post
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Janelle Monáe's fierce condemnation of Nelly for performing at Trump's inauguration highlights her unwavering stance on the socio-political issues of our time, making it clear that for her, separating art from artist is simply not an option.
Janelle Monáe slams Nelly for Trump inauguration performance at Grammys afterparty
USA TODAY
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The Associated Press's abrupt interruption of Babyface during a live interview not only disrespected a legendary artist but also demonstrated a serious lack of decorum that sparked rightful outrage among fans and fellow celebrities.
The Associated Press sorry for cutting off Babyface in favor of Chappell Roan on Grammy's red carpet
NBC News
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The Weeknd's return to the Grammy stage signals a positive shift in his relationship with the Recording Academy, showcasing the effectiveness of their recent reforms and his willingness to engage with the industry's evolving landscape.
The Weeknd ended his boycott of the Grammys and the timing couldn’t be more perfect
CNN
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Despite her numerous nominations, Taylor Swift's fruitless night at the Grammys underscores the unpredictable nature of award shows and the challenge of standing out in a crowded field of talent.
Taylor Swift leaves Grammys with no awards following record-breaking year
FOX News
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Chappell Roan's Grammy acceptance speech encapsulates a critical sentiment towards the music industry, calling for a shift in how artists are treated and compensated, while also representing a significant generational change in today’s music landscape.
Music’s New Generation Is Here
The Atlantic
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Drake's ongoing disconnection from the Grammys highlights a growing rift between his artistic vision and the industry's understanding of rap music, making one wonder about his future in a landscape that seems increasingly unified against him.
From Drake’s humiliation to Doechii’s coronation: the talking points from the 2025 Grammys
The Guardian
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The Grammy Awards this year served not only as a celebration of music but also as an emotional tribute to a city grappling with tragedy, showcasing the resilience and spirit of its community amidst profound loss.
The Grammys had a few surprises up their sleeves. Here are some key moments from the show
Boston Herald
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The recent Grammy Awards celebrated the extraordinary achievements of iconic artists like Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar, highlighting the event's significance in recognizing creative excellence in the music industry.
Grammy Awards 2025: Check out the winners
Boston Globe
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