Harry Styles feels validated after securing the Album of the Year award at the 2023 Grammys for Harry’s House. Styles expressed that sentiment in the show’s press room following his acceptance speech. He also answered whether he expected Beyoncé to win over him.
“I think… I mean you never know with this stuff, I don’t think you can look at any of the nominees and not feel like they’re deserving. I feel like when I look at this category, it’s all people who have inspired me at different times. So, it’s not like…you would understand anyone winning and…I’m really grateful that they chose us. Thank you.”
Harry Styles is asked if he expected Beyoncé to win the AOTY #Grammy: “You never know with this stuff. I don’t think you can look at any of the nominees and not feel like they’re deserving. When I look at this category, it’s all people who have inspired me.” pic.twitter.com/1sTF78NlR3
— Variety (@Variety) February 6, 2023
Though she has the most Grammy wins in history–32 total–she hasn’t snagged an award in the AOTY category throughout her solo career. In fact, voters have overlooked the Renaissance singer at least four times, including on Sunday’s loss.
Elsewhere in the press room interview, Harry said:
“I think we’re really overwhelmed at the moment, I definitely wasn’t expecting to get this. I think being nominated for stuff like this kind of really feels like the winning part, being recognized by your peers. It’s obviously incredibly nice to receive this. I don’t think it’s the reason that any of us in the room do it. I’m so, so grateful that they thought our album was worthy of it. I think, more than anything, it just kind of feels like validation that we’re on the right path. You know, when we get in the studio and begin a record, we just make the music that we wanna make, and I think it feels really nice to feel like, oh, that is the right thing to do.”
Watch the full press room interviews below:
Harry Styles’ Acceptance Speech And Grammys Receiving Online Backlash Amid Beyoncé’s AOTY Loss
Harry’s answer to the Beyoncé-related question reflects his sentiments during his acceptance speech. Upon the announcement of his win, Harry buried his face in his hands before embracing a cheering Lizzo, also a nominee in the category, and making his way to the stage.
He began his acceptance by thanking fellow nominees, including Beyoncé, Bad Bunny, Adele, Mary J. Blige, Lizzo, Coldplay, Kendrick Lamar, ABBA, and Brandi Carlile.
“I’ve been so, so inspired by every artist in this category with me at a lot of different times in my life. I listen to everyone in this category when I’m alone. I think on nights like tonight, it’s obviously so important for us to remember that there’s no such thing as best in music. I don’t think any of us sits in the studio making decisions based on what is going to get us one of these,” Harry said motioning to the golden award.
But Harry’s closing remarks have landed him in some hot water with Grammy enthusiasts, fans, and critics online.
“This doesn’t happen to people like me very often, and this is so, so nice. Thank you very much.”
People quickly pointed out that a cisgender, white man winning a Grammy does, in fact, happen often. Buzzfeed reports that the “overwhelming majority” of AOTY winners since 1959 identify in the same category as Harry.
Having a choice between Beyonce or Bad Bunny and somehow giving it to Harry Styles is an incredible way to unite African Americans, the general African diaspora, Hispanics, and Latinos.
— Zito (@_Zeets) February 6, 2023
beyoncé losing album of the year to taylor swift, beck, adele and now harry styles. that’s qwhite interesting pic.twitter.com/2BVillWk9D
— out of context the white lotus (@oocwhitelotus) February 6, 2023
me when harry said “this doesnt happen to ppl like me often” as he won over BEYONCE pic.twitter.com/wwUCx2qFn3
— ♡ (@tragedygrls) February 6, 2023
“This doesn’t happen to people like me often” – @Harry_Styles. We beg to differ, Harry. Mediocre white men get glamourized, rewarded and awarded over exceptionally talented, amazing Black women like @Beyonce all day, every day. Case in point is this AOTY win. #GRAMMYs
— B. Bell🏁 (@MediaBritt) February 6, 2023
It’s not so much about Harry winning, it’s about Beyoncé NOT winning. How is she your most decorated artist of all time but the academy won’t give her the most coveted award? Sends a sinister message tbh and truly they should never expect she’ll grace them with her presence again
— Steff (@SteffKopp) February 6, 2023
Meanwhile, Beyoncé seemed unphased by the talk of being snubbed. She was captured on camera, standing and clapping for Harry as he accepted his speech.
BEYONCÉ STANDING UP FOR HARRY !!!!!! THIS IS MY BRAND pic.twitter.com/sUGMBfiIlq
— ★ HARRY’S HOUSE AOTY!!! (@keepdrivinggf) February 6, 2023
She also celebrated making Grammy history with a heartwarming note to fans on her Instagram page.
