Photo: Collected
The 2025 Grammy Awards celebrated some of the biggest names in music, with Beyonce securing the prestigious album of the year award for Cowboy Carter, while Kendrick Lamar's Not Like Us won both song and record of the year.
The ceremony featured performances from Shakira, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, Doechii, Sabrina Carpenter, and Charli XCX. Meanwhile, Will Smith, Stevie Wonder, and Janelle Monae honored the late producer Quincy Jones in a special tribute. The event was hosted by comedian Trevor Noah for the fifth consecutive year.
Beyonce shared her special moment with her daughter, Blue Ivy Carter. The 13-year-old, who recently starred in Mufasa, has been a frequent presence alongside her mother, from red carpet appearances to performances. She stood by Beyonce's side as she accepted her award, embracing her in an emotional moment.
Beyonce's Cowboy Carter marks the first album by a Black woman to win album of the year in 26 years, following Lauryn Hill's The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. It is also the first country album to win since Kacey Musgraves' Golden Hour in 2019. With 11 nominations, Cowboy Carter tied Michael Jackson's Thriller for the most nods for a single album.
Charli XCX turned the Grammys into a party with her BRAT rave. She performed her song Von Dutch in a high-energy set surrounded by fans and friends, including Julia Fox, whom she wished a happy birthday. She also sang Guess, a song about guessing the color of her underwear, with a message on screen stating that all undergarments would be donated to survivors of domestic violence.
With her wins for best country album, best country duo/group performance, and album of the year, Beyonce's total Grammy count now stands at 35-further cementing her status as the most awarded artist in Grammy history.
The show, which ran just 20 minutes over schedule, was packed with performances, tributes, and calls for wildfire relief. Taylor Swift was seen toasting Beyonce's victory alongside Jay-Z. In her acceptance speech, Beyonce dedicated her win to Linda Martell, a trailblazer for Black artists in country music, saying, "I hope we keep pushing forward and opening doors."
Beyonce's Country-Inspired Couture
Though she skipped the red carpet, Beyonce made a striking appearance in a custom Schiaparelli gown to accept the best country album award. The fitted dress, adorned with a bandana-inspired pattern of sequins and beads in champagne and cream, paid homage to country-western aesthetics. Her opera gloves added an extra touch of elegance, reinforcing her signature country-meets-high-fashion style that has defined Cowboy Carter since its release last March.
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