Beyoncé had a historic 2025. Let's review the highlights
- - Beyoncé had a historic 2025. Let's review the highlights
Caché McClay, USA TODAY NETWORKDecember 22, 2025 at 4:01 AM
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Beyoncé had a historic 2025. Let's review the highlights
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter opened her banner year by making history, and now she's closing out 2025 with another major milestone tied to fashion's biggest night.
In February, the "Cowboy Carter" creator kicked off the year by winning the Grammy for best country duo/group performance for "II Most Wanted" with Miley Cyrus. She became the first Black woman to win a Grammy for a country music song since the Pointer Sisters in 1975. Before Beyoncé, no Black female solo artist had ever won a Grammy for country music.
At the same award show, she took home best country album and album of the year for "Cowboy Carter," her eighth studio album. It marked the first time a Black woman won best country album in the award show's history. It was also the first time a Black woman was nominated, and won, the top prize of album of the year for a country album.
She became one of four Black women to win album of the year in Grammy history, joining Natalie Cole (1992), Whitney Houston (1994) and Lauryn Hill (1999).
Most recently, Vogue announced Beyoncé will co-chair the 2026 Met Gala along with Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams and Anna Wintour.
As 2025 comes to a close, here's a look at groundbreaking moments from Beyoncé's massive year.
Beyoncé makes history at the Grammys then kicks off historic tour
The night before her historic Grammys run, Beyoncé surprised fans and announced her 32-stadium stop Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin' Circuit Tour.
Beyoncé kicked off her "Cowboy Carter" tour April 28 at SoFi Stadium with a total of five shows in Los Angeles. The tour spanned nine cities across the U.S. and Europe.
Beyoncé takes home more wins for 'Cowboy Carter' at 2025 AMAs
Beyoncé scored two more country awards at this year's American Music Awards, which aired live from Las Vegas on May 26, shortly after kicking off her tour.
She won favorite female country artist and favorite country album for her genre-bending project. It was the first time she was nominated in either category; neither were televised.
Beyoncé, Jay-Z make surprise appearance during Paris Fashion Week amid 'Cowboy Carter' tour
Following her last show in Paris on June 22, Beyoncé and husband Jay-Z made a striking appearance at Paris Fashion Week. The two attended Louis Vuitton's spring/summer 2026 menswear fashion show, which was held on June 24 in front of the Pompidou Centre and designed by Pharrell Williams.
Beyoncé makes history with highest grossing country tour
Beyoncé concluded her groundbreaking "Cowboy Carter" tour in Las Vegas on July 27, surprising the crowd with a Destiny's Child reunion and performances by "Cowboy Carter" collaborator Shaboozey and husband Jay-Z.
She quickly made history with the highest grossing country tour. The nine-city stint reportedly grossed over $400 million, with attendance over 1.5 million in its three-month run, according to Live Nation.
Beyoncé wins her first Emmy Award
In August, Beyoncé took home her first Emmy, winning the award for outstanding costumes for variety, nonfiction or reality programming as a costume designer for her NFL halftime performance on Netflix, dubbed the "Beyoncé Bowl."
She won alongside her fellow costume designer Shiona Turini, costume supervisor Chelsea Staebell, assistant costume designers Erica Rice and Molly Peters, and head of workroom Timothy White.
Beyoncé, Jay-Z turn heads during surprise F1 appearance
Beyoncé made another surprise appearance with Jay-Z at the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix on Nov. 22, rocking two bold looks that stopped everyone in their tracks. While at the F1 race, she got in on the thrills by riding as a passenger with F1 champion Lewis Hamilton at the wheel of a Ferrari for a hot lap.
Beyoncé suited up in her best racing chic for the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix on Nov. 22, 2025, on the Las Vegas Strip Circuit.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Beyoncé suited up in her best racing chic for the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix on Nov. 22, 2025, on the Las Vegas Strip Circuit.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/wlGRjmwwSdY4oDaugR753g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/909675fab9ced989834f05df4e7f3c3a class=caas-img data-headline="See Beyoncé, Jay-Z step out for F1 Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit" data-caption="
Beyoncé suited up in her best racing chic for the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix on Nov. 22, 2025, on the Las Vegas Strip Circuit.
">Beyoncé suited up in her best racing chic for the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix on Nov. 22, 2025, on the Las Vegas Strip Circuit.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/wlGRjmwwSdY4oDaugR753g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/909675fab9ced989834f05df4e7f3c3a class=caas-img>Beyoncé and husband Jay-Z arrive in the paddock. She stepped out in a zip-front Louis Vuitton red, white and black jumpsuit covered with racing patches. She accessorized with sunglasses, fingerless red gloves and pointed black boots.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/7srgks6N0BAG6.DTC8mKOw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODIw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e8c315b0433324a9f7d59ab311caaf8d class=caas-img data-headline="See Beyoncé, Jay-Z step out for F1 Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit" data-caption="
Beyoncé and husband Jay-Z arrive in the paddock. She stepped out in a zip-front Louis Vuitton red, white and black jumpsuit covered with racing patches. She accessorized with sunglasses, fingerless red gloves and pointed black boots.
">Beyoncé and husband Jay-Z arrive in the paddock. She stepped out in a zip-front Louis Vuitton red, white and black jumpsuit covered with racing patches. She accessorized with sunglasses, fingerless red gloves and pointed black boots.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/7srgks6N0BAG6.DTC8mKOw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODIw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e8c315b0433324a9f7d59ab311caaf8d class=caas-img>The pop superstar (far right) and Jay-Z (second from right) posed for a pic with Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin (from left), rapper Travis Scott and racing driver Lewis Hamilton.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ZTVwSQaEa83vtXSSCtCKVg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NDY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7542a764a1b4c70b35412523719b94d7 class=caas-img data-headline="See Beyoncé, Jay-Z step out for F1 Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit" data-caption="
The pop superstar (far right) and Jay-Z (second from right) posed for a pic with Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin (from left), rapper Travis Scott and racing driver Lewis Hamilton.
">The pop superstar (far right) and Jay-Z (second from right) posed for a pic with Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin (from left), rapper Travis Scott and racing driver Lewis Hamilton.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ZTVwSQaEa83vtXSSCtCKVg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NDY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7542a764a1b4c70b35412523719b94d7 class=caas-img>Beyoncé donned a helmet on the Pirelli hot laps grid prior to the F1 Grand Prix.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/mcp01pyawTAaUxffg7LNew--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/bea57fdc16fd25efcc5f351ce41eef7b class=caas-img data-headline="See Beyoncé, Jay-Z step out for F1 Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit" data-caption="
Beyoncé donned a helmet on the Pirelli hot laps grid prior to the F1 Grand Prix.
">Beyoncé donned a helmet on the Pirelli hot laps grid prior to the F1 Grand Prix.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/mcp01pyawTAaUxffg7LNew--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/bea57fdc16fd25efcc5f351ce41eef7b class=caas-img>Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Scuderia Ferrari drives Beyoncé on a Pirelli hot lap prior to the race.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/rHtmo8qeaHGtrlN9Z_ywSw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2b2cb0b0b81a1fb9bf326433c081bbe2 class=caas-img data-headline="See Beyoncé, Jay-Z step out for F1 Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit" data-caption="
Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Scuderia Ferrari drives Beyoncé on a Pirelli hot lap prior to the race.
">Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Scuderia Ferrari drives Beyoncé on a Pirelli hot lap prior to the race.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/rHtmo8qeaHGtrlN9Z_ywSw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2b2cb0b0b81a1fb9bf326433c081bbe2 class=caas-img>Beyoncé prepares for a hot lap prior to the F1 Grand Prix.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/CUjX1OPdX4E..UGWsdjDsQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b63a37a1f1fa672bba1cf6df942f8696 class=caas-img data-headline="See Beyoncé, Jay-Z step out for F1 Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit" data-caption="
Beyoncé prepares for a hot lap prior to the F1 Grand Prix.
">Beyoncé prepares for a hot lap prior to the F1 Grand Prix.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/CUjX1OPdX4E..UGWsdjDsQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b63a37a1f1fa672bba1cf6df942f8696 class=caas-img>Lewis Hamilton (in yellow helmet) and Beyoncé
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RzUs1BRdjyUi4CcvOSN2Fg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03OTg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/aa3ed839b0892d455d4bc1afaaf8e69b class=caas-img data-headline="See Beyoncé, Jay-Z step out for F1 Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit" data-caption="
Lewis Hamilton (in yellow helmet) and Beyoncé
">Lewis Hamilton (in yellow helmet) and Beyoncé
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RzUs1BRdjyUi4CcvOSN2Fg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03OTg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/aa3ed839b0892d455d4bc1afaaf8e69b class=caas-img>Jay-Z and Beyoncé
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/h2745pjePMusjYAZyr.hkg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/615f82acea45414013d0cc9ea3348972 class=caas-img data-headline="See Beyoncé, Jay-Z step out for F1 Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit" data-caption="
Jay-Z and Beyoncé
">Jay-Z and Beyoncé
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/h2745pjePMusjYAZyr.hkg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/615f82acea45414013d0cc9ea3348972 class=caas-img>Beyoncé also wore a second racing-inspired look for the evening: a red hot-pants ensemble with a matching coat, black gloves, a gold choker and a ball cap.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/XzDTdCXH1fSAeex0tWqfkA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNjU1/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ecd2fb26c64f8de698c78df472095ab9 class=caas-img data-headline="See Beyoncé, Jay-Z step out for F1 Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit" data-caption="
Beyoncé also wore a second racing-inspired look for the evening: a red hot-pants ensemble with a matching coat, black gloves, a gold choker and a ball cap.
">Beyoncé also wore a second racing-inspired look for the evening: a red hot-pants ensemble with a matching coat, black gloves, a gold choker and a ball cap.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/XzDTdCXH1fSAeex0tWqfkA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNjU1/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ecd2fb26c64f8de698c78df472095ab9 class=caas-img>She carried a checkered racing flag and walked out in red platform sandals, arm in arm with Jay-Z.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Pma_dzoHpZpoO2XY2wKSxw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNjU1/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c08f55a5c4b45570bd3d064c3120998f class=caas-img data-headline="See Beyoncé, Jay-Z step out for F1 Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit" data-caption="
She carried a checkered racing flag and walked out in red platform sandals, arm in arm with Jay-Z.
">She carried a checkered racing flag and walked out in red platform sandals, arm in arm with Jay-Z.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Pma_dzoHpZpoO2XY2wKSxw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNjU1/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c08f55a5c4b45570bd3d064c3120998f class=caas-img>
1 / 10See Beyoncé, Jay-Z step out for F1 Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit
Beyoncé suited up in her best racing chic for the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix on Nov. 22, 2025, on the Las Vegas Strip Circuit.
Beyoncé set to make Met Gala return, co-chair for the first time
Beyoncé ended the year with a bang, with Vogue announcing her return to the Met Gala in 2026 for the first time in 10 years. Not only that, she is set to lead fashion's biggest night as a co-chair along with Kidman, Williams and Wintour. The high-fashion event is slated for May 4.
This year, Beyoncé also celebrated her lucky 44th birthday on Sep. 4 and hinted at her upcoming "Act III" album, which she has yet to announce.
Follow Caché McClay, the USA TODAY Network's Beyoncé Knowles-Carter reporter, on Instagram, TikTok and X as @cachemcclay.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Beyoncé's year in review shows historic 2025 for 'Cowboy Carter' creator
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
