Beyonce breaks record for most Grammy wins by female artist

Los Angeles, United States - Beyonce made Grammys history Sunday by becoming the most awarded 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.

"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.

WHO WON WHAT

Megan Thee Stallion. PHOTOS BY AFP

Here is a list of winners in key categories at the 63rd annual Grammy Awards, which were handed out on Sunday in Los Angeles.

Beyonce had a big night, winning four prizes and thereby breaking the record for the most-ever Grammy wins by a female artist, and the most by any singer, male or female.

Rapper Megan Thee Stallion also had a successful evening, taking home three awards including Best New Artist and pop powerhouse Taylor Swift won Album of the Year honors for the third time in her career.

Album of the Year: Taylor Swift, "folklore"

Record of the Year, recognizing overall performance on a song: Billie Eilish, "Everything I Wanted"

Song of the Year, for songwriting: H.E.R., Dernst Emile II and Tiara Thomas, "I Can't Breathe"

Best New Artist: Megan Thee Stallion

Best Music Video: Beyonce, "Brown Skin Girl"

Best Rap Album: Nas, "King's Disease"

Best Rap Song: Megan Thee Stallion featuring Beyonce, "Savage"

Best Rap Performance: Megan Thee Stallion featuring Beyonce, "Savage"

Best Rock Album: The Strokes, "The New Abnormal"

Best Rock Song: Brittany Howard, "Stay High"

Best Rock Performance: Fiona Apple, "Shameika"

Best Pop Vocal Album: Dua Lipa, "Future Nostalgia"

Dua Lipa

Best Pop Solo Performance: Harry Styles, "Watermelon Sugar"

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: Lady Gaga with Ariana Grande, "Rain on Me"

Best R&B Album: John Legend, "Bigger Love"

Best R&B Performance: Beyonce, "Black Parade"

Best Alternative Music Album: Fiona Apple, "Fetch the Bolt Cutters"

Best Global Music Album: Burna Boy, "Twice as Tall"

Burna Boy

Best Country Album: Miranda Lambert, "Wildcard"

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album: Kanye West, "Jesus Is King"

Best Comedy Album: Tiffany Haddish, "Black Mitzvah"

Best Song Written for Visual Media: Billie Eilish, "No Time to Die" (for "No Time to Die")