Yes, you read that right. Adele won Album of the year for “25,” beating out Justin Bieber’s “Purpose,” Drake’s “Views,” and Beyoncé’s “Lemonade.” The singer, who’d just been on the stage to accept the award for Record of the Year, was overcome with emotion, thanking everyone again, but saying that ultimately she couldn’t accept the award because, Beyoncé.
After just winning song of the year, Adele was already overcome with emotion, then right after she won Album Of The Year she broke down in tears, while still giving credit to Queen Bey.
“Thank you,” was the first word out of her mouth, so excited and nervous. Hi, guys. Hi. Hi, everyone. Hi. Hi. Hi. Hi. As you can see, it took an army to make me strong and willing again to do it. And I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”
“Five years ago, when I was last here, I was so―I was pregnant, and I didn’t know. And I was awarded that shortly after, I found out shortly after, which was the biggest blessing of my life. And in my pregnancy, becoming a mother, I lost a lot of myself. I struggled and I still do struggle being a mom. It’s really hard. But tonight winning this kind of full circle.
But I can’t possibly accept this award, and I’m very humbled and very grateful and gracious but my life is Beyonce, and the album to me, the “Lemonade” album, Beyonce, was so monumental, and so well thought out. And so beautiful and soul bearing and we all got to see another side of you that you don’t always let us see, and we appreciate that. And all us artists adore you. You are our light. And the way that you make me and my friends feel, the way you make my black friends feel is empowering, and you make them stand up for themselves. And I love you. I always have. And I always will. I appreciate it.
The academy, I love you, my manager, my husband, and my son. You’re the only reason I do it. Thank you so much. Thank you very much to everybody.”
In the Grammys press room, the “Hello” singer addressed what it felt like to realize her album, 25, had won.
“Like I said in my speech, my album of the year is Lemonade. So a piece of me did die inside, as a Beyoncé stan — not going to lie,” she revealed. “I was completely rooting for her, I voted for her. I felt like it was her time to win. What the f— does she have to do to win album of the year?”
it was clear Beyoncé was touched by Adele’s words as well, to have a level of respect at this point in their careers, and the music they produce to have meaning; that seems to be more important.