The GRAMMY Awards continue to celebrate the pinnacle of musical achievement, with the Album of the Year category remaining one of the most prestigious honors in the industry. This award recognizes outstanding albums that push creative boundaries, showcase exceptional artistry, and resonate with global audiences.
Here’s a rundown of the most recent Album of the Year winners from the past several ceremonies, highlighting the diversity of genres, artists, and cultural moments that have defined modern music:
- 2026 (68th Annual GRAMMY Awards): Bad Bunny – DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS Presented by Harry Styles, this win marked a historic breakthrough for Latin urban music. Bad Bunny’s deeply personal and politically charged project, blending reggaeton with introspective storytelling and Puerto Rican pride, triumphed in a stacked field. It also earned him Best Música Urbana Album, solidifying his influence on global pop culture.
- 2025 (67th Annual GRAMMY Awards): Beyoncé – Cowboy Carter Beyoncé finally claimed her first Album of the Year trophy after multiple nominations, making history as the first Black woman to win in the category. The genre-blending country-infused album explored Black roots in American music, earning widespread acclaim for its innovation and cultural commentary.
- 2024 (66th Annual GRAMMY Awards): Taylor Swift – Midnights Taylor Swift secured her record-breaking fourth Album of the Year win (surpassing previous legends), cementing her status as the most awarded artist in this category. Midnights showcased her introspective synth-pop evolution and masterful songwriting.
- 2023 (65th Annual GRAMMY Awards): Harry Styles – Harry’s House The British pop-rock star took home the golden gramophone for his vibrant, genre-hopping album filled with funky grooves and emotional depth. It highlighted Styles’ growth as a solo artist beyond his One Direction roots.
- 2022 (64th Annual GRAMMY Awards): Jon Batiste – We Are A joyful, genre-defying celebration of Black joy and resilience, Batiste’s win brought fresh energy to the category with its mix of jazz, soul, funk, and R&B.
- 2021 (63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards): Taylor Swift – folklore Swift’s surprise pandemic-era indie-folk pivot earned her a third Album of the Year (at the time), praised for its storytelling, collaboration with Aaron Dessner and Jack Antonoff, and emotional vulnerability.
- 2020 (62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards): Billie Eilish – When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? At just 18, Eilish became one of the youngest winners ever, sweeping the Big Four categories with her dark, whispery alt-pop debut that redefined teen angst for a new generation.
These recent winners reflect the evolving landscape of music: from Latin trap and reggaeton breaking barriers, to country reinvention, pop dominance, and genre-blending innovation. Artists like Taylor Swift (with four wins total) continue to set records, while newcomers and genre pioneers like Bad Bunny and Beyoncé prove the award’s openness to cultural shifts.
