Beyoncé makes history as most Grammy nominee, surpasses Jay-Z

Beyoncé has cemented her place in Grammy history, achieving a record-breaking 99 career nominations following 11 new nods for her latest album, Cowboy Carter.

This surpasses the previous high held by both Beyoncé and her husband, Jay-Z, who now follows closely with 88 nominations.

With this milestone, the Carters reaffirm their status as the ultimate Grammy power couple.

“Beyoncé has set the gold standard,” said the Recording Academy President, acknowledging her significant impact across genres and generations.

The announcement, initially reported on the Academy’s website and highlighted by News360 Nigeria, underscores Beyoncé’s continued musical evolution and influence.

Cowboy Carter pays homage to the culture and sound of Texas, earning Beyoncé her first Grammy nominations in the country and Americana categories, including Album of the Year and Country Album of the Year.

Her hit single, “Texas Hold ’Em,” has also garnered major nominations such as Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Country Song of the Year, showcasing her range across pop, country, Americana, and melodic rap.

If she secures the Album of the Year award, Beyoncé will make history as the first Black woman in the 21st century to win the title, a distinction last held by Lauryn Hill in 1999 with The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.

“Seeing another Black woman win Album of the Year would mean so much,” said Hill. “Beyoncé’s achievement opens doors and redefines boundaries in music.”

Among the year’s other highlights, Post Malone, also a first-time Grammy nominee in the country categories, is recognised for F-1 Trillion, his debut country album.

His duet with Morgan Wallen, “I Had Some Help,” is up for Country Song and Country Duo/Group Performance, marking Wallen’s first Grammy nominations as well.

Malone follows close behind Beyoncé with seven nominations, matched by Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, and Charli XCX, who earned her first solo Grammy nods.

The 2025 Grammy Awards, airing on 2 February live from Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena, promise an exciting showdown as music’s top artists vie for the Recording Academy’s most prestigious honours.

According to the Black Information Network, Beyoncé’s 11 nods this year cement her status as the most-decorated artist in Grammy history, a title she claims following last year’s CMA shutout despite the success of Cowboy Carter.

With this record-breaking feat, Beyoncé not only showcases her genre-spanning brilliance but also continues her legacy as a transformative figure in music history.

“She’s set the bar impossibly high,” Jay-Z reportedly said. “It’s an inspiration for artists everywhere to keep redefining what’s possible.”