Beyoncé made sure to say Rumi Carter’s name along with Cowboy Carter‘s biggest win.
The Cowboy Carter creator made history at the 2025 Grammys, extending her record as the most-awarded artist in the ceremony’s history. She claimed her 35th trophy and, for the first time, secured the coveted Album of the Year award for Cowboy Carter.
Onstage with her 13-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy, as Jay-Z watched from the audience, Beyoncé dedicated the win to pioneering country artist Linda Martell. She also thanked the Recording Academy, her collaborators, and the songwriters and producers who helped bring the project to life. Yet, after the moment passed, she realized she had left out an important name.
“It’s surreal,” she told Entertainment Tonight after her win. “Twenty-five years of working hard, growing, and trying to open doors. I’m honored. I’m also happy my daughter got to see that.” Then, with a laugh, she added, “She’s taller than me now, and I don’t like it at all!”
She then took a moment to acknowledge Rumi, her youngest daughter, who appeared on Cowboy Carter. “She was watching,” Beyoncé said. “I forgot to thank her, so I can thank her now. Thank you, Rumi!” The seven-year-old, twin to Sir, is featured on the song Protector, where she shares a touching exchange with her mother.
Earlier in the night, Beyoncé made history again, becoming the first Black woman to win Best Country Album. Accepting the award, she reflected on the barriers she faced.
“I’d like to thank all the incredible country artists who embraced this album,” she said. “We worked so hard. I think sometimes genre is a cold word to keep artists in their place. I just want to encourage people to follow their passion and stay persistent.” She ended by thanking her family and the collaborators who helped shape the project.
Her long-awaited Album of the Year victory came just one year after Jay-Z publicly criticized the Recording Academy for overlooking her in the category.
“We want y’all to get it right—at least close to right,” he said while accepting the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award in 2024. “I don’t want to embarrass this young lady, but she has more Grammys than anyone and had never won Album of the Year.”
He let the thought linger before adding, “The most Grammys. Never won Album of the Year. That doesn’t work.”
This year, the Academy finally got it right.
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