Beyoncé Wins Album of the Year at the 2025 Grammys for Cowboy Carter: ‘It’s Been Many, Many Years’

The 2025 Grammy Awards have declared Beyoncé as the winner of album of the year!

For the first time, the music icon, 43, won the Grammy for album of the year for her country album, Cowboy Carter on Sunday, Feb. 2.

Joining her onstage to celebrate this milestone was her daughter Blue Ivy.

Members of the county of Los Angeles Fire Department presented the album of the year award and received a standing ovation themselves, paying tribute to those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires.

“I’d like to thank and acknowledge and praise all of the firefighters for keeping us safe,” the “Texas Hold Em” singer began her brief but powerful speech.

“I just feel very full and very honored. It’s been many, many years. Just want to thank the Grammys, every songwriter, every collaborator, every producer, all of the hard work,” she continued.

“I want to dedicate this to Ms Martell, and I hope we just keep pushing forward,” Beyoncé said, referring to Linda Martell — the first Black female country singer who collaborated with her on Cowboy Carter. “Opening doors. God bless y’all. Thank you so much. Thank you.”

Chief Anthony Marrone of the LAPD addressed the Grammys crowd, calling it a “tremendous honor and privilege” to be surrounded by “such talented music industry professionals.

“As fire chief, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and thank first responders who came from near and far to battle this wildfire siege. In the midst of unprecedented fire conditions, their selfless act of courage and commitment were nothing short of inspiring,” he said.

“Our heartfelt condolences and prayers remain with all the family who have lost loved ones, friends and neighbors, along with everyone who has lost homes, businesses and been displaced.”

Marrone also thanked the many community partners who have supported the LAFD during this difficult time. “I am confident we will recover and rebuild together because we are LA strong.”

Beyoncé took country music by storm with her genre-defying album Cowboy Carter and became the most nominated artist of the year with 11 nods in categories including record of the year, song of the year, best pop solo performance, best pop duo/group performance, best melodic rap performance, best country solo performance, best country duo/group performance, best country song, best country album and more.

Cowboy Carter marked her fifth nomination in the album of the year category. Prior to this year, she lost each time — twice to Swift in 2010 and 2015, to Adele in 2017 and to Harry Styles in 2023.

Check out all of PEOPLE’s full Grammys coverage here.

This year’s group of nominees featured Grammy stalwarts like Taylor Swift, who was nominated for The Tortured Poets Department.

They were joined by André 3000 for New Blue Sun, Sabrina Carpenter for Short n’ Sweet, Charli xcx’s Brat, Jacob Collier’s Djesse Vol. 4, Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft and Chappell Roan for The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.

The Grammys are broadcasting live from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on CBS or stream them live and on-demand on Paramount+.

Source people.com