Speaker 1 (00:00):
Cowboy Carter. 16, Beyonce.
Speaker 2 (00:03):
The 2025 Grammy Awards had some amazing moments. Several female musicians won big during music's biggest night, including Beyonce, Shakira, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, Doechii, and more. Access Hollywood is breaking down the top moments of the night. Beyonce finally got her flowers. After a decades-long wait, Queen B took home Album of the Year for her country album, Cowboy Carter, making her the first black woman to win the honor since Lauryn Hill in 1999. Several people including Billie Eilish and Lady Gaga had tears in their eyes as she got up on stage, and Taylor Swift even did a toast with Jay-Z. During her speech, Beyonce acknowledged this award was a long time coming.
Beyonce (00:52):
I just feel very full and very honored. It's been many, many years. And I just want to thank the GRAMMYs, every songwriter, every collaborator, every producer, all of the hard work. I want to dedicate this to Ms. Martell. And I hope we just keep pushing forward, opening doors.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
But that wasn't all. The 43 year old also won Country Album of the Year, making her the first black woman to win the award. The music legend is already the most decorated and nominated artist in Grammy history, but was visibly shocked when Taylor Swift called her name and acknowledged what a surprise this was on stage.
Beyonce (01:39):
Wow. I really was not expecting this. I think sometimes genre is a cold word to keep us in our place as artists, and I just want to encourage people to do what they're passionate about.
Speaker 2 (01:55):
Another big winner of the night, Kendrick Lamar. The rapper, won record and Song of the Year for his Drake Diss Track, Not Like Us. And had the GRAMMYs audience singing along and even Taylor Swift dancing as he walked up on stage during his speech and dedicated the award to his home city of Los Angeles that was recently impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires. In fact, throughout the night, the GRAMMYs raised money to those impacted by the fires and honored several first responders. It was a night for the ladies. Several women won in the major categories, including Shakira, who took home Best Latin Pop Album and was presented the honor by Jennifer Lopez, who she headlined the Super Bowl with in 2020. She dedicated the award to her immigrant brothers and sisters, working moms and her two sons, Sasha and Milan.
Shakira (02:43):
In this country you are loved, you are worth it, and I will always fight with you. Milan and Sasha, who are here with me, I'm so proud of you guys of your kind hearts. Thank you so much for supporting me the way you do.
Speaker 2 (03:00):
There were several first-time Grammy winners Sunday night too, including Sabrina Carpenter who won Best Pop Vocal Album. Chappell Roan took home the Coveted Best New Artist Award and used her time on stage to bring light to an issue developing artist's face.
Speaker 5 (03:15):
I told myself if I ever won a Grammy and I got to stand up here in front of the most powerful people in music, I would demand that labels and the industry profiting millions of dollars off of artists would offer a livable wage and healthcare, especially to developing artists. Labels, we got you but do you got us?
Speaker 2 (03:39):
Another big winner of the night, Doechii. She took home her very first Grammy Award for best rap album and made history as the third woman to win the honor. She was visibly shaken up when her name was called and brought her mom up on stage as she shared a message to any black girl watching her on screen.
Speaker 6 (03:57):
Anything is possible. Don't allow anybody to project any stereotypes on you that tell you that you can't be here, that you're too dark, or that you're not smart enough, or that you're too dramatic or you're too loud. You are exactly who you need to be to be right where you are.
Speaker 2 (04:18):
But of course, the GRAMMYs celebrate music and there were some top-tier performances. The Weeknd ended his years-long boycott of the GRAMMYs on Sunday when he surprised the audience with the performance of his new song Cry For Me. Sabrina Carpenter brought her sense of humor to the stage with her performance of Espresso, and Please, Please, Please. Chappell Roan took the Grammy stage for the first time and had the audience singing along to her hit Pink Pony Club. And we can't forget about Doechii's standout performance that had everyone from Jay-Z to Billie Eilish impressed.