The star was nominated for nine awards at Sunday’s show, including the highly coveted Album of the Year.
Viola Davis – who herself won a Grammy Award, earning an EGOT title – stepped on stage to announce the nominees in the Best R&B Song category before revealing that Beyonce had won.
The camera panned around the room and viewers were eager to get a glimpse at Beyonce, who host Trevor Noah had earlier claimed was present.
When it finally came back around to the stage, fans were surprised to see two men – Terius “The Dream” Gesteelde-Diamant and Nile Rodgers – holding the Grammy Award.
Terius said something inaudible to viewers at home into the microphone before adding: “Beyonce thanks y’all.”
Suddenly, Trevor stepped in to explain, assuring viewers: “Beyonce is on her way.”
He claimed she was “stuck in traffic” and would be there shortly.
The former Daily Show host also announced: “Beyonce has now equaled the award for most Grammys of all time.”
Finally, Nile stepped forward to say a few words about working with Beyonce and more.
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“When I got called to play on this song it was the most organic thing that ever happened to me. I heard this song and I just said ‘I want to play on that. Right now,'” he gushed.
“And it was one take. I promise. I played it. It was one take. … It was just what I felt in my heart and I’m so happy to be working with you all.”
Beyonce arrived at the show not long after, which Trevor announced on the broadcast.
He joked: “The queen is officially in the building. Ladies and gentlemen, Beyonce Knowles. I was shocked that traffic could stop you. I thought you traveled through space and time.”
FANS REACT
Fans weren’t buying Beyonce’s excuse, however, and flocked to Twitter to share their thoughts.
One viewer wrote: “If y’all believe for one second that Beyoncé is late in traffic,” with a half frowning face.
Another tweeted: “listen, I don’t believe she in traffic. I think Beyoncé just like me and is just late everywhere. maybe she almost stayed home. like me.”
A third added: “beyonce running late because of traffic really means “if you think i’m coming on before my performance you must be out yo mind”
Someone else added: “Trevor Noah clearly loves Beyoncé and knows she in the building keep’n out of the way”
Another fan tweeted: “Beyonce ain’t stuck in no traffic.”
Others seemed to find it funny, with one writing: “Beyoncé, late to the Grammys, on what will be her history-making night. Relatable queen. I love it.”
OKAY, BEY!
While Beyonce was tardy to the party on Music’s Biggest Night, she did give fans an eyeful the night before.
She and her superstar friend Adele were seen out and about before the Grammys rocking some stunning fashions.
Beyonce wore a futuristic white outfit during a showbiz brunch where she was joined by model Winnie Harlow.
Adele, meanwhile, was wrapping up the tenth weekend of her Las Vegas residency.
During the show, she and chef Gordon Ramsay shared a cheeky and shocking smooch.
He wrote on social media: “Hello… It’s an incredible show by @adele tonight!
“Stunning performance. Congrats.”
She was nominated for seven awards ahead of the LA ceremony compared to 41-time Grammy winner Beyonce, who led the way with nine.
They were both up for best album, song, and record of the year.
Beyonce was celebrated for her album Renaissance and lead single Break My Soul, while Adele’s nominations were for album 30 and single Easy On Me.