by Venus Sanders
Beyoncé, “I’m trying not to be too emotional.”
Image credit: beyonce.com
The superstar has now surpassed conductor Georg Solti to be the most-awarded artist in history. With thirty-two trophies under her belt, Beyoncé is undoubtedly this generation's best performer in music. “I want to thank God for protecting me. Thank you, God.” The words chilled as she stood accepting her award and also thanking her beautiful husband.
Best Dance Recording – Break My Soul
Best Dance/Electronica Album – Renaissance
Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance – Plastic Off The Sofa
Best R&B Song – Cuff It
The remix is available on Beyonce.com.
32 wins and 88 nominations later the renaissance album singer is still going strong. Her vocals are the strongest we’ve heard since the beginning of her career; her ability to remain relevant and hold an icon status is without question impressive. While audience members were in awe and congratulatory it may come as a surprise to learn that several Grammy voters did not choose Beyoncé simply because she has already won several times already.
One business veteran said, “With Beyoncé, the fact that every time she does something new, it’s a big event and everyone’s supposed to quake in their shoes—it’s a little too portentous.” However, make no mistake Beyoncé is not doing interviews, she is not responding to critics online, she is simply—like millions of people—doing her job and going home. The idea that she is in any way demanding that her music is awarded, noticed, purchased, or even praised is erroneous.
Respect. I believe that is what her career is built on and will continue to grow on for many more years to come. As mentioned in a previous article, Beyoncé has cemented her place in history. She is an artist, a visionary, a mother, a wife, and overall, a humble woman who takes pride in her job as an entertainer. As she continues to elevate in her music career there will no doubt be naysayers, but her awards are well-deserved.
Image credit: beyonce.com
Nadirah Simmons, Founder of Gumbo, a hip-hop social club chimed in, tweeting, “People just don’t like seeing Black women win ‘too much.’ It’s nasty. I am not even going to go deep or get too mad because I know what it is. But I know every Black woman can relate to feeling like they’re just enough or not too much because someone feels jealous, envious, or threatened by their greatness. We all know this feeling.”
As unfortunate as this is, it could be true. We have seen Black women time and time again get snubbed at award shows and here is one woman getting her flowers and it is met with unjustified criticism. On a lighter note, this moment will be remembered by many. As is the moment Viola Davis won her Grammy, earning her the EGOT status for her autobiography, Finding Me. Davis is the 18th person to achieve the EGOT winner status with an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award.
She won the Oscar for best supporting actress in Fences, the Emmy for TV Drama How To Get Away With Murder, and her two Tony Award accolades include featured actress in a play for King Hedley II (2001) and lead actress in a play for Fences (2010).
Looks…
Cardi B stunned in this architectural gown. The rapper wore a sculptural dress with an asymmetrical shoulder detail from Gaurav Gupta’s Spring 2023 couture collection.
Photo: Getty Images
Laverne Cox arrived wearing a black Kim Kassas Couture dress. Styled by Christina Joy Pacelli and Aric L. Johnson, the strapless ensemble is crafted from reptile embossed leather with a sculpted waistline and back hem slit.
Credit: Michael Buckner for Variety
Lizzo arrived in a Dolce and Gabbana orange gown with a matching cape, another one of our favs.
Taylor Swift wore a two-piece set from Roberto Cavalli in midnight blue. The sparking outfit consisted of a long-sleeved, mock neck crop top and matching column skirt with a slight train, both featuring blue embellishments in various places.
Lastly, Mary J. Blige, the Not Gon’ Cry singer arrived wearing a full-length fitted metallic dress with strategically placed cutouts on her hips showing us her amazing figure. Her hair was styled in a high blonde ponytail with long wavy tresses falling down her back and silver pointed-toe boots.
Image Credit: People Magazine