WCW: Women Crush Wednesday, Grammys Edition

We are SO BACK.

Feb 05, 2025

Not to say I told you so, but I totally clocked the biggest Grammy winners on Sunday.

My very first WCW post was for “YA YA” by Beyonce, who won Album Of the Year and Best Country Album for Cowboy Carter. The AOTY in particular was a long time coming—until this year, Beyonce had never won a Grammy in any of the four most prestigious categories (Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best New Artist).

Cowboy Carter is a tour-de-force record exploring Black history in country music while paying homage to country legends like Linda Martell, Dolly Parton, and Chuck Berry. It’s worth noting that Beyonce also marketed this album shrewdly and effectively, positioning Cowboy Carter not just as a tight political manifesto (ie. Black country music history matters) but as an all-American album. For example, Beyonce promoted “YA YA” through a US Summer Olympics ad, partnered with Levi’s for a jeans campaign, and performed a medley of Cowboy Carter hits in a stunning Christmas halftime show on Netflix. Through partnerships with America’s favorite sporting events and brands, Beyonce branded Cowboy Carter as a patriotic, contemporary album without getting too overtly political.

Beyonce knew that Cowboy Carter’s political message was strong, she just needed the all-American messaging to bring her over the top. It worked: on Sunday, Beyonce became the first Black artist to win Best Country Album and only the fourth Black woman to win AOTY.

In Beyoncé's 2025 Grammy wins, two cultural arcs collide : NPR

Keeping with the theme of I-told-you-so, all three of the singers I wrote about last summer—Sabrina Carpenter, Chappel Roan, and Charli XCX—went home with Grammys. Sabrina Carpenter won Best Pop Vocal Album for Short n’ Sweet and Best Pop Solo Performance for “Espresso.” (I really thought she would win Record of the Year, but I respect Kendrick Lamar too much to be upset). Sabrina has emerged as The IT Girl of Pop with her talent, beauty, and Old Hollywood charisma. Like Beyonce, Sabrina Carpenter marketed her infectious pop songs “Espresso” and “Please Please Please” with a matching hyper-feminine, flirty aesthetic and strong brand collaborations to boost her pop culture presence. But even without the clever marketing, the sheer brilliance of “Espresso” all but guaranteed Sabrina a pop Grammy. Also, a moment for her Grammys dress, which has lived rent-free in my mind for days:

Sabrina Carpenter Decked Out Her Backless 2025 Grammys Dress with 80 Carats of Diamonds

Next, Charli XCX won Best Dance Pop Recording for “Von Dutch,” along with Best Dance/Electronic Album and Best Recording Package for Brat. Given Brat’s unique techno production and indelible political impact, I wasn’t surprised by Charli XCX’s win. I respect Charli XCX immensely as an artist and producer, even if my own enjoyment of Brat has subsided with the seasons.

I’m particularly excited that Chappell Roan won Best New Artist. In a political climate where LGBT rights are literally being erased in real time, Chappell Roan has been unapologetically outspoken and resistant through her lyrics, drag outfits, and speeches. In her Grammys acceptance speech, Chappel advocated for her healthcare coverage and liveable wages for smaller artists. I deeply admire Chappell’s outspokenness and resistance to erasure—her artistry and spirit remind us to advocate for a safer, stronger, and more inclusive America.

Chappell Roan Calls Out Major Labels in Best New Artist Speech

Finally, a moment for Kendrick Lamar, who won 5/5 nominations for his hater-opus, “Not Like Us.” Today, he’s one of the girls—may his unrelenting dedication to being an eloquent, passionate hater inspire us all.