Beyoncé Finally Wins Album of the Year, as ‘Cowboy Carter’ Takes Grammys’ Top Prize

variety.com:

Chris Willman Senior Music Writer and Chief Music Critic The waiting was the hardest part for Beyoncé fans, but patience finally paid off as she scored a win for album of the year at Sunday night’s Grammys, with “Cowboy Carter” scoring the top prize where four previously nominated albums in the category had not. “I just feel very full and very honored.

It’s been many, many years,” said Beyoncé. “I just want to thank the Grammys, every songwriter, every collaborator, every producer, for all of the hard work,” she said in accepting. “i want to dedicate this to Miss (Linda) Martell, and I’ll just hopefully keep pushing forward, opening doors.” She prefaced her acceptance speech by saying she’d “like to thank and acknowledge and praise all the firefighters for keeping us safe,” as she shared the stage with the group of first responders who presented her with the night’s final honor. “She had 99 nominations, and now an album of the year win is one,” said host Trevor Noah after the win, looking at Jay-Z as he noted the record number of noms Beyoncé came into this ceremony with.

Although it was ultimately a multi-genre album, “Cowboy Carter” was a concept album in representing Beyoncé’s take on how country music has much of its roots in Black music, and how Black performers continue to make their way in that genre, including guest stars on the album ranging from newcomer Shaboozey to Black country pioneer Linda Martell.

Beyoncé became the first Black woman to win album of the year since Lauryn Hill did it with “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” in 1999.