Beyoncé’s Grammy redemption ushers in genre-breaking era

The awards night brought big wins, surprises, and a shift.

With new voices taking the spotlight and genre lines fading, this year felt different. Here’s a look at the biggest highlights of the night.

Beyoncé finally wins Album of the Year

Beyoncé made history by winning Album of the Year for “Cowboy Carter,” the first Black woman to do so this century. It was a long-overdue win, but well deserved. She also took Best Country Album, proving she can do it all.

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Kendrick Lamar’s big night

Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us won Song and Record of the Year, plus three more awards. A diss track sweeping the Grammys? A sign that hip-hop is stronger than ever.

A new era for pop music

Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX took over with Sabrina’s “Short n’ Sweet” winning Best Pop Vocal Album, while “Espresso” got Best Pop Solo Performance. Charli’s Brat dominated dance categories. These young ladies are leading the way.

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Genre barriers are fading

Music is breaking free from labels, and the Grammys are keeping up. Beyoncé won for country, Kendrick blended rap and jazz, and Charli ruled dance. Even the Beatles won Best Rock Performance!

Is it a step towards change?

This year felt different, it’s more diverse, more exciting, and more in tune with today’s music. Here’s hoping this keeps up!

List of winners:

  • Record of the Year – Not Like Us, Kendrick Lamar
  • Album of the Year – “Cowboy Carter,” Beyoncé
  • Song of the YearNot Like Us, Kendrick Lamar
  • Best New Artist – Chappell Roan
  • Best Pop Solo PerformanceEspresso, Sabrina Carpenter
  • Best Pop Duo/Group PerformanceDie With a Smile, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars
  • Best Pop Vocal Album – “Short n’ Sweet,” Sabrina Carpenter
  • Best Rock Album– – “Hackney Diamonds,” The Rolling Stones
  • Best Alternative Music Album – “All Born Screaming,” St. Vincent
  • Best R&B Album “11:11 (Deluxe),” Chris Brown
  • Best Rap Album – “Alligator Bites Never Heal,” Doechii
  • Best Jazz Vocal Album – “A Joyful Holiday,” Samara Joy
  • Best Country Album – “Cowboy Carter,” Beyoncé

Here’s the full list of winners at the 97th Grammys.

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