Grammys 2021: Beyonce breaks record for most Grammy wins by female artist

New York - The singer has tied Alison Krauss’ record for most wins by a female artist

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By AFP

Published: Mon 15 Mar 2021, 7:00 AM

Last updated: Mon 15 Mar 2021, 11:07 AM

Beyonce made Grammys history Sunday by becoming the winningest woman in the history of the music industry’s top awards gala, and its most decorated singer with 28 career wins.

She secured the record after winning Best R&B Performance for her hit “Black Parade,” a single celebrating Black culture and activism that dropped in the wake of mass protests ignited by the death of George Floyd in police custody in the summer of 2020.

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“I am so honored. I’m so excited. Thank you,” said the singer, who made a surprise showing at the gala she has skipped for the past several years, wearing a curve-hugging black leather mini dress.

“As an artist, I believe it’s my job and all of our jobs to reflect the times. And it’s been such a difficult time,” Beyonce said, with her rapper husband Jay-Z looking on.

“So I wanted to uplift, encourage, celebrate all of the beautiful Black queens and kings that continue to inspire me and inspire the whole world.”

“It’s such a magical night, thank you so much,” Beyonce said, adding her gratitude to her children — after the eldest, Blue Ivy, won her first Grammy for her appearance in the music video “Brown Skin Girl.”

“I’m so honored to be your mommy, all of your mommies. Y’all are my babies. And I’m so proud of y’all. I love you so much, my rock,” she said, nodding to Jay-Z.

It is a major moment for the 39-year-old Beyonce, whose repeated snubs in top award categories have raised eyebrows and stirred controversy.

She is the most nominated female artist in Grammys history with 79, tied with Paul McCartney as the second most nominated act and only one behind husband Jay-Z and industry legend Quincy Jones.

Prior to 2021, the megastar boasted 24 Grammy wins to her name — but notoriously lost Album of the Year in 2017 to British balladeer Adele, a controversial snub often cited as an example of the Recording Academy’s diversity issues.

Critics praised “Black Parade” for Beyonce’s strong vocals as well as its lyrics that simultaneously condemn racism, issue a call for activism and pay homage to Black culture.

Proceeds from the song benefit Beyonce’s Black Business Impact Fund, which supports Black-owned small businesses.

Partial list of winners at the 63rd Grammy Awards

Megan Thee Stallion has won best rap song for “Savage,” featuring  Beyonce at the Grammy Awards

A partial list of winners in the top categories at the 63rd annual Grammy Awards, presented Sunday in Los Angeles.

— Best pop vocal album: “Future Nostalgia,” Dua Lipa

— Best rap song: “Savage,” Megan Thee Stallion, featuring Beyonce

— Song of the year (songwriter’s award): “I Can’t Breathe,” H.E.R., Dernst Emile II and Tiara Thomas

— Best pop solo performance: “Watermelon Sugar,” Harry Styles

— Best country album: “Wildcard,” Miranda Lambert

— Best new artist: Megan Thee Stallion

— Best traditional pop vocal album: “American Standard,” James Taylor

— Best dance/electronic album: “Bubba,” Kaytranada

— Best rock album: “The New Abnormal,” the Strokes.

— Best alternative music album: “Fetch the Bolt Cutters,” Fiona Apple

— Best progressive R&B album: “It Is What It Is,” Thundercat.

— Best R&B album: “Bigger Love,” John Legend

— Best rap album: “King’s Disease,” Nas

— Best jazz vocal album: “Secrets Are the Best Stories,” Kurt Elling featuring Danilo Perez

— Best jazz instrumental album: “Trilogy 2,” Chick Corea, Christian McBride and Brian Blade

— Best gospel album: “Gospel According to PJ,” PJ Morton

— Best contemporary Christian music album: “Jesus Is King,” Kanye West.

— Best Latin rock or alternative album: “La Conquista del Espacio,” Fito Paez

— Best reggae album: “Got to Be Tough,” Toots and the Maytals

— Best spoken word album: “Blowout: Corrupted Democracy, Rogue State Russia, and the Richest, Most Destructive Industry on Earth,” Rachel Maddow

— Best comedy album: “Black Mitzvah,” Tiffany Haddish

— Best compilation soundtrack for visual media: “Jojo Rabbit.”

— Best score soundtrack for visual media: “Joker”

— Producer of the year, non-classical: Andrew Watt.

— Best music video: “Brown Skin Girl,” Beyonce with Blue Ivy

— Best music film: “Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice,” Linda Ronstadt

Photo: Twitter
AFP

Published: Mon 15 Mar 2021, 7:00 AM

Last updated: Mon 15 Mar 2021, 11:07 AM

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