Billie Eilish won record of the year for the second year in a row, but when she got onstage to accept the award, she said that Megan Thee Stallion was the one who deserved it, asking the audience to cheer for the rapper instead of her.
Eilish, 19, swept the top awards at last year’s ceremony, but that didn’t stop her from taking the most prestigious Grammy this year for her song “Everything I Wanted.” When her name was read out by Ringo Starr, the presenter of the award, Eilish looked shocked. She went onstage with Finneas, her brother and collaborator, and said, “This is really embarrassing for me,” before turning the attention on Megan Thee Stallion, who won three awards, including best new artist.
“I was going to write a speech about how you deserve this but then I was like, there’s no way they’re going to choose me,” Eilish said. “I was like, it’s hers. You deserve this.”
She went on: “You had a year that I think is untoppable. You are a queen. I want to cry thinking about how much I love you.”
Megan Thee Stallion was nominated in the category for “Savage (Remix),” featuring Beyoncé, which won for best rap song and best rap performance.
Eilish also beat out “Black Parade” by Beyoncé, “Don’t Start Now” by Dua Lipa, “Rockstar” by DaBaby featuring Roddy Ricch, “Say So” by Doja Cat, “Circles” by Post Malone and “Colors” by Black Pumas.