Beyoncé took home album of the year at the 67th Grammy Awards for “Cowboy Carter,” the first time she has won the coveted award.
After accepting the award, which was presented by members of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Beyoncé said in the acceptance speech that she was humbled.
“I just feel full and very honored,” she said after thanking the firefighters. “It’s been many, many years. I just want to thank the Grammys, every songwriter, every collaborator, every producer, all of the hard work.”
She also took a moment to thank Linda Martell, a Black country artist referenced on the “Cowboy Carter” track “The Linda Martell Show.”
“I want to dedicate this to Miss Martell, and I hope we just keep pushing forward, opening doors. God bless you all. Thank you so much,” she said.
Beyoncé’s win comes after a heated battle for what is considered the top award at the Grammys. The award recognizes the best overall recording as it relates to the “quality and artistry of the collection of tracks as a whole,” according to the Recording Academy.
Beyoncé took down a competitive field that included André 3000 (“New Blue Sun”), Sabrina Carpenter (“Short n’ Sweet”), Charli xcx (“Brat”), Jacob Collier (“Djesse Vol. 4”), Billie Eilish (“Hit Me Hard and Soft”), Chappell Roan (“The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess”) and Taylor Swift (“The Tortured Poets Department”).
Last year, Swift won album of the year, making her the first artist to win the award four times.