The Recording Academy, which hosts the Grammys, has tried to diversify its membership in the face of criticism.
Pop superstar Beyonce broke the record for most career wins at the Grammy Awards even as she was nominated for the top awards of the night, including the coveted Best Album, which went to ca. British artist Harry Styles.
Beyonce has won four Grammy Awards, including Best Dance/Electronic Album for Renaissance, bringing her career total to 32, surpassing the 31 won by the late classical conductor Georg Solti.
“I’m trying not to get too emotional. I’m just trying to get through tonight,” Beyonce said at the ceremony on Sunday. “I want to thank God for protecting me. Thanks God.”
The 41-year-old pays special tribute to the gay community, who she credits for inventing the genre she celebrates on her historic record, expressing Pay homage to the pioneers of funk, soul, rap, house and disco.
Styles, who made a name for himself with boy band One Direction, won a Grammy for his third album Harry’s House, which also earned him the award for Best Pop Vocal Album.
“This doesn’t happen often with people like me, and this is great,” he said upon accepting the Grammy. He performed his single As It Was during the ceremony, decorated from head to toe in lame silver.
Lizzo took home the Grammy Award for Record of the Year – an award that honors the overall performance of a song – for her single About Dam Time, beating a crowded field that included Beyonce and Adele.
“We are inherently good,” she said tearfully during a speech that sent the audience to their feet. “And anyone at home who feels misunderstood or is on the outside looking in, like I did, stay true to yourself.”
“I promise you, you will find people, you will attract people who believe in and support you in your life.”
The show is broadcast live on the CBS network and the Paramount+ streaming service.
The honorees were selected by about 11,000 members of the Recording Academy, which has faced complaints that it did not properly recognize the talent of Blacks.
The organization has worked to diversify its membership in recent years.
