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The pop-and-R&B double album wasnt enough.The surprise-released visual albumwasnt enough, nor wasthesecondone.
Not eventhe culture-dominating dance albumwas enough.
For Beyonce to finally win Album of the Year, she had to releasea country concept record.
That wouldve been a massive surprise to fans a decade ago, after 2015s snub to Beck.
But knowing the Recording Academy, its hardly surprising.
Even when they get it right, the Grammys gonna Grammy.
Heres how she ended her AOTY losing streak.
Thats important for a general-category award like AOTY, voted on by the entire Academy.
She promotedCowboy Carter
More than ever, the Academy wants to see you do it live.
Voters knewJon Batistes name because he played on TV night after night as Stephen Colberts bandleader.
Harry Styles won AOTY forHarrys Houseafter a series of arena residencies.
Taylor SwiftsMidnightswin was just as much a recognition for the world-stopping power of the Eras Tour.
So BeyoncesNFL halftime show forCowboy Carterwas the perfect move to remind the Academy what they were choosing.
It was also right in the middle of the Academys voting period.
Jacob Collier remains a little too esoteric for the Academy to award in such a big way.
For once, Beyonce was the most obvious choice.
Again, this year, the new electorate made their mark up and down the ballot.
Or the American roots field, where quirky newcomer Sierra Ferrell swept her nominations.
Take that shit on the chin / Come back and fuck up the pen.
The Academy also doesnt like to be embarrassed, which is why voters end up overcorrectingso manymistakes.
This year, it was finally Beyonces turn.
