Beyoncé is the fundamental nominee at this yr’s ceremony, together with her country-adjacent album Cowboy Carter shortlisted for 11 awards.
She has already received finest nation efficiency by a duo or group, for her duet with Miley Cyrus, II Most Wished.
Nevertheless, she was overwhelmed to finest nation track by Kacey Musgraves, whose track The Architect questions the existence of God after a college capturing.
Taking to the stage, Musgraves stated: “There’s a lot darkness in the world proper now, and it simply feels so good to have the ability to struggle some of that darkness by means of track”.
Musgraves beforehand received album of the yr in 2019 for Golden Hour.
The nominees for that prize this yr embody Billie Eilish, Beyoncé (who has by no means received the class, regardless of 4 earlier nominations) Taylor Swift, Chappell Roan and rapper André 3000, who’s nominated for his religious jazz flute album New Blue Solar.
Charli XCX and Sabrina Carpenter are additionally up for the award – and followers can be speculating whether or not their early wins improve their odds of taking the night time’s fundamental prize.
Neither artist was there in particular person to gather their preliminary trophies, as they’re resulting from carry out at the headline ceremony later in the night.
Nevertheless Charli’s producer, Finn Keane, accepted the award for Von Dutch on her behalf, calling her an “superb collaborator”.
“She has been making this sort of music for 10 years, however everybody’s simply caught as much as it,” he added.