Last year, Beyoncé — the most awarded artist in Grammys history — won her first album of the year trophy, a notable milestone for someone as lauded as Queen Bey.
This year, she’ll likely be absent from the Feb. 1 awards show in Los Angeles.
Beyoncé did not release any new music eligible for this year’s Grammy Awards.
Beyoncé released her eighth studio album, “Cowboy Carter,” March 29, 2024. With the album, she became leading nominee at the 2025 Grammy Awards, garnering 11 nominations. Her nominations included five awards in the country and American roots field — her first in that category.
At the 2025 ceremony, Beyoncé won the award for best country duo/group performance for “II Most Wanted” with Miley Cyrus, making history as the first Black female solo artist to win a Grammy for a country song. The Pointer Sisters won in a similar category in 1975. She also took home best country album. It was the first time a Black woman was nominated and won in the category.
At the same award show, the “Ya Ya” singer also won the top prize of the evening, album of the year. She joined only three other Black women in the show’s history to earn the honor.
She kicked off her 32-stop stadium Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin’ Circuit Tour in April 2025. It concluded in Las Vegas in July, becoming highest grossing country tour with over $400 million in earnings.
Does Beyoncé have new music coming?
In July 2022, Beyoncé released her seventh studio album, “Renaissance.” The project earned her four Grammys, including best dance/electronic music album, and made her the most decorated artist in Grammy history. She later announced the album was the first part of a three-act project, making “Cowboy Carter” act 2.
After releasing albums in the country and dance categories, speculation has been growing that the last project in the trilogy could be a rock album. Beyoncé, however, has yet to announce the upcoming project.
Beyoncé’s next known public appearance is set for May 4 at the 2026 Met Gala, where she will serve as co-chair alongside Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams and Anna Wintour.
Kendrick Lamar leads the pack in Grammy nominations with a total of nine nods including song of the year for “Luther,” his duet with tour partner SZA, as well as album of the year for “GNX.”
Follow Caché McClay, the USA TODAY Network’s Beyoncé Knowles-Carter reporter, on Instagram, TikTok and X as @cachemcclay.
