The Best Grammy Acceptance Speeches of All Time

One of the cherished Grammy traditions is the unpredictable acceptance speech. When a star takes the stage on live TV, it’s a wildcard moment. Some graciously accept their awards, expressing gratitude. Others bring humour to the mic, while a select few bare their souls.

Occasionally, speeches stir controversy, but they consistently stand out as highlights of the ceremony. Throughout Grammy history, a variety of legendary speeches, whether for the right or wrong reasons, have become iconic, take a look at them below.

Lauryn Hill (1999)

Grammy Acceptance Speeches
Image Courtesy: GRAMMYS

Lauryn Hill made history by becoming the first woman to scoop five Grammys in a single night. Her wins included ‘Best New Artist,’ ‘Best Female R&B Vocal Performance,’ ‘Best R&B Song’ and ‘Best R&B Album.’ Her groundbreaking solo debut, ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,’ also marked a milestone as the first hip-hop album to clinch ‘Album of the Year.’

Hill surprised the audience by bringing a Bible to the mic and reading a psalm, perhaps hinting at a forthcoming break from the music scene.

“None of this stuff makes us who we are. Don’t pollute who you are because you come from a source, a very important source and that’s God.” “I’ve been around the world, thank God, because the music has taken me that far, and I see that everything we do influences everybody around the world… Think about the ghettos of our own cities and our own towns of where we from. The kids are so influenced and inspired by what we do.”

Kanye West (2005)

Grammy Acceptance Speeches
Image Courtesy: BBC

In 2005, Kanye West clinched his first three Grammy Awards, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey. Over the years, his influence in the music industry has soared, accumulating a total of 24 Grammy wins and an impressive 75 nominations, solidifying his standing as a prolific and celebrated artist.

His 2005 acceptance speech made history, becoming one of the most iconic lines said at an award show.

“I plan to celebrate and scream and pop champagne every chance I get, because I’m at the GRAMMYs baby! I know everybody asked me the question. … Everybody wanted to know what I would do, if I didn’t win. I guess we’ll never know.”

U2 (1988)

Grammy Acceptance Speeches
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In the era of ‘The Joshua Tree,’ the Irish lads, The Edge and Bono, clinched big wins at the Grammys, delivering speeches that etched themselves in music history.

Bono took the mic to humourously spar with rock critics at The Village Voice, while The Edge, in a moment of whimsy, expressed gratitude to an eclectic array of heroes, ranging from Jimi Hendrix and Walt Disney to Flannery O’Connor, James T. Kirk, Dr. Ruth, George Best, Gregory Peck, Batman and Robin, Pee-wee Herman, the YMCA and even “sumo wrestlers throughout the world.”

Taylor Swift (2016)

Grammy Acceptance Speeches
Image Courtesy: People

Swift made history by becoming the first woman to clinch ‘Album of the Year’ twice, claiming the coveted title for ‘1989.’ In 2021, she achieved a remarkable hat trick with her third ‘Album of the Year’ Grammy for ‘Folklore.’

Swift delivered a powerful message to aspiring female artists, encouraging them to forge their own paths despite challenges, stating:

“And as the first woman to win Album of the Year at the Grammys twice, I want to say to the young woman out there, there are going to be people along the way who try to undercut your success or take credit for your accomplishments or your fame.”

“But if you just focus on the work and you don’t let those people sidetrack you, someday when you get where you’re going, you will look around and you will know it was you and the people who love you who put you there, and that will be the greatest feeling in the world.”

Beyonce (2023)

Grammy Acceptance Speeches
Image Courtesy: People

Beyoncé, a true maestro of Grammy speeches, clinched her place in history by winning a staggering 32 Grammys, surpassing the record set by Sir Georg Solti. In a standout moment last year, she bagged four Grammys out of nine nominations, solidifying her as the all-time Grammy champ.

In a succinct yet powerful 103-word speech, Beyoncé expressed gratitude to her late Uncle Johnny, a gay disco enthusiast. Acknowledging the LGBTQ disco roots of Renaissance, she delivered a touching tribute, saying,

“I’m trying not to be too emotional. I’m trying to just receive this night. I want to thank God for protecting me. Thank you, God. I’d like to thank my uncle Johnny who’s not here, but he’s here in spirit.”

“I’d like to thank my parents, my father, my mother for loving me and pushing me. I’d like to thank my beautiful husband, my beautiful three children who are at home watching. I’d like to thank the queer community for your love, for inventing the genre. God bless you. Thank you so much to the Grammys. Thank you.”

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