After many years, a significant oversight has been addressed. At the 67th Grammy Awards, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter has at last earned the title of album of the year. This achievement is long overdue for the pop powerhouse, who boasts 99 nominations and 35 wins—yet had never claimed album of the year until this year.

The album that led to Beyoncé’s triumph, “Cowboy Carter,” represents a bold artistic venture that highlights the contributions of Black artists to country music. Featuring collaborations with notable figures like Linda Martell, Rhiannon Giddens, Willie Jones, and Dolly Parton, Beyoncé draws from an extensive range of influences. In “Cowboy Carter,” she employs country music as a vast canvas to examine themes of love, motherhood, rejection, and the absurdity of the American dream.

Given Beyoncé’s extensive and remarkable career over the past two decades, her first win for album of the year might come as a surprise to many. If you’ve closely followed her journey, it’s clear that she should have received this honor previously.

Grammys’ ‘Lemonade’ Snub Was Heartbreaking

Watching Beyoncé miss out on album of the year in 2017 was truly disheartening. Nominated for “Lemonade,” a groundbreaking and politically charged album that shifted cultural conversations upon its release in 2016, she lost to Adele. Adele famously shared part of her Grammy with Beyoncé, calling her “the artist of my life” in her acceptance speech.

‘Beyoncé’ by Beyoncé. Do I need to elaborate?

When Beyoncé claims she “changed the game with that digital drop,” she’s absolutely right.

On December 13, 2013, Beyoncé made waves with the surprise release of her visual album simply titled “Beyoncé.” The release sold over 617,000 units within just three days on iTunes.

With this album, Beyoncé boldly explored themes she had not tackled before, diving into political commentary and feminism through the track “Flawless,” which included a message from Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

Despite its record-breaking achievements and artistic innovation, Beyoncé lost the album of the year award to Beck’s “Morning Phase,” causing Kanye West to almost re-enact his infamous 2009 MTV Video Music Awards interruption.

‘Renaissance’ Loss Shook My Faith in Humanity

After the disappointment of “Lemonade,” I had hoped that the Grammy Awards would redeem themselves with Beyoncé’s 2022 project, “Renaissance.” Unfortunately, that was not the case.

“Renaissance,” Beyoncé’s first solo album since “Lemonade,” dives into house and dance music. More than just another artistic exploration, it celebrates Black, queer culture and the exhilarating essence of club music.

I still believed the Grammys would recognize this incredible body of work that clearly stood out among its competitors.

I was mistaken.

“Renaissance” lost to Harry Styles’ “Harry’s House.” Alright then.

Are the Grammy Awards Ready for a Transformation?

Beyoncé’s remarkable win was one of several highlights from this year’s Grammys that gives me hope that the awards might be turning the corner.

Emerging artists such as Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, and Chappell Roan took home significant awards and delivered outstanding performances.

The awards also tackled relevant political issues. Shakira, Lady Gaga, and Chappell Roan advocated for the trans community and immigrants. Roan performed her anthem “Pink Pony Club” and urged record labels to support their artists more effectively during her acceptance speech for best new artist.

During her acceptance speech for the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award, Alicia Keys championed diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, referring to them as a gift rather than a threat, countering recent criticisms.

The Grammys have a troubled past and the Recording Academy is far from an ideal institution, but Sunday night’s event left me unexpectedly fulfilled and provided a glimpse into a promising future for these awards. Have the Grammys turned a new corner? Only time will reveal the answer.

Kofi Mframa is a columnist and digital producer. His pitchfork has been laid to rest now that Beyoncé has finally won album of the year.