Beyoncé finally won album of the year at the Grammy Awards on Sunday, ending a four-time losing streak that had long baffled fans and industry insiders alike. Her win with “Cowboy Carter,” an ambitious gumbo of country and American roots music, marked a significant shift for the Recording Academy’s voting pool.
The Grammys’ top award is often seen as a reflection of the organization’s ability to represent the changing landscape of music. Beyoncé’s victory comes after years of efforts by the academy to refresh and diversify its membership. 66% of current voters have joined since 2019, including 3,000 women, and 38% of its electorate are now people of color.
However, demographics alone were not enough to secure Beyoncé’s win. Her album’s success can be attributed to her own efforts as well as the evolving voting body within the academy. “Cowboy Carter” played to ingrained tendencies of Grammy voters, with a focus on American roots music that tapped into hallowed traditions and music-making practices.
Beyoncé’s victory also highlighted the importance of representation and amplifying marginalized voices in music history. Her dedication to Linda Martell, the first Black woman to play the Grand Ole Opry, underscored the significance of recognizing and honoring underrepresented contributions.
The win marks a significant milestone for Beyoncé, who has been largely devoted to R&B and pop throughout her career. With this victory, she became only the fourth Black woman — and the first since Lauryn Hill in 1999 — to take home the Grammys’ top accolade.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/04/arts/music/beyonce-album-of-the-year-grammy.html