Beyoncé claimed the coveted Album of the Year award at the 2024 Grammy Awards on Sunday, marking her first win in the category with her country-inspired record Cowboy Carter, according to Reuters.
The milestone victory came on her fifth nomination in the category, solidifying her status as the most awarded artist in Grammy history with 35 trophies.
I just feel very full and very honored. It’s been many, many years.
Rapper Kendrick Lamar swept the night, winning Record and Song of the Year for Not Like Us, a track which was inspired by his feud with Drake. Lamar dedicated his awards to Los Angeles, vowing to “restore the city” that has supported him throughout his career.
This is my neck of the woods that’s held me down since I was a young pup.
Chappell Roan, named Best New Artist, used her acceptance speech to advocate for fair wages and healthcare for musicians. “Labels – we got you, but do you got us?” she asked, recalling her own struggles with feeling “dehumanized” to not have health insurance.
Night for Los Angeles
The Grammys transformed into a fundraiser for wildfire relief, raising over $7 million during the broadcast. Host Trevor Noah opened the show with a star-studded performance of I Love LA, featuring John Legend, Brad Paisley, St. Vincent, and Brittany Howard.
The ceremony also included heartfelt tributes to Los Angeles, with Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars performing California Dreamin’ and firefighters presenting the Album of the Year award to a standing ovation. Vignettes highlighted local businesses recovering from the wildfires, while Stevie Wonder led a choir of students from fire-affected schools in singing We Are the World.
Swift shut out, The Weeknd returns
Taylor Swift, a four-time Album of the Year winner, was nominated for The Tortured Poets Department but left empty-handed. She presented the Best Country Album award to Beyoncé, who also won in that category.
In a surprise appearance, The Weeknd ended his Grammy boycott with a mid-show performance. The Canadian singer had previously criticised the awards for their lack of transparency and underrepresentation of hip-hop and R&B artists.
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. acknowledged the criticism, stating, “We have listened, we have acted, and we have changed,” highlighting the Academy’s efforts to diversify its voting body.
The 2024 Grammys not only honored musical achievements but also underscored the power of community and resilience in the face of adversity. Beyoncé’s historic win, Lamar’s dominance, and the night’s tributes to Los Angeles made it a memorable celebration of music and solidarity.
