With one bold tweet, Tanner Adell's life changed.

"As one of the only Black girls in the country music scene, I hope Bey decides to sprinkle me with a dash of her magic for a collab," she wrote, minutes after Beyoncé premiered "TEXAS HOLD 'EM" and "16 CARRIAGES" during this year's Super Bowl in February.

At first, Adell was mocked for her pitch. "You're trying too hard, love," one user said. Another chimed in, "Baby, that album is finished with all the songs cleared. I don't know about this one. Maybe, open for the tour," another user remarked.

But she wasn't bothered by the chatter: "Those people said I look desperate, I'm like, 'You must not know me, b—!" Adell reveals to GRAMMY.com with a hearty laugh. 

Confidence is the inner core of the Tanner Adell ethos. And her boldness paid off because shortly after when Beyoncé approached her to feature on COWBOY CARTER.

In Adell's first music release of 2024, she appeared alongside Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy, and Reyna Roberts in Beyoncé's cover of "BLACKBIIRD" by The Beatles. It was a full-circle moment for Adell in more ways than one, as her father used to sing the song to her as a child. Little did she know, decades later, she would popularize the track's backstory — the plight of Black women in the American South — alongside one of her heroes.

But before Adell became one of Beyoncé's songbirds, she was also the Buckle Bunny. On the 11-track mixtape, Adell traced the provocative tales of an acrylic nail-wearing, lasso-wielding heartbreaker. But for every Black girl that listens, it's more than a country project. It's also a reminder that it's okay to be feminine and girly, just like Shania Twain, Carrie Underwood or Taylor Swift.

Among her rodeo of exciting firsts, Adell tacks another on June 8, when she makes her debut at Nashville's Nissan Stadium during CMA Fest. She'll perform on the Platform Stage at the stadium; the next day, she'll play a set at the Good Molecules Reverb Stage outside of Bridgestone Arena.

Below, hear from Adell about her most memorable firsts thus far, from having her debut daytime television performance on "The Jennifer Hudson Show" to bonding with Gayle King behind the scenes at Stagecoach Music Festival.

Seeing Her Breakthrough Single, "Buckle Bunny," Have A Second Life

I released "Buckle Bunny" on the Buckle Bunny EP in July 2023. I actually teased it on social media first. Almost nine months before that, I had gone super viral with it. It was doing incredibly well, so my plans were to release it in January or February of last year. But, I ended up signing a record deal in December of 2022. There were plans for it at that time, but the timeline kept getting pushed back. It turned into a fight to get that song back into my hands, which was what prompted me to go independent. Eventually, I was able to work with my label, shake hands, and mutually part ways.

I started this year as an independent artist with this song that everybody loves. It's become a huge part of my brand, but it's really my life story. People might think it's a dumb song that was easy to write, but I was called a "buckle bunny." As a teenager growing up between Los Angeles and Star Valley, Wyoming, I was into glam country, and "Buckle Bunny" is the pinnacle of that. 

"Buckle Bunny" was my first single that charted. I felt like I finally had broken through that invisible box that Nashville put me in as a country musician. It was me saying, I'm not going to follow any rules. I'm going to be as true to myself as possible.

We, as Black women, have been fighting our whole lives. We've been fighting for space. I'm purposely trying to bring softness into the picture, allowing women who listen to my music to know that it's okay to feel that way. We don't always have to have our walls up.

"Buckle Bunny" is aggressively confident, but I think that's the door to softness. You have to be self-assured to let your walls down. My newest single, "Whiskey Blues," is my next step into that. I have another song on my social media, "Snakeskin," that people want me to release. "Buckle Bunny" is like the girl who protects those softer moments.

In a way, I look at all of this as a relationship between Tanner Adell, the artist, and Tanner, the person. For me, Tanner Adell is the buckle bunny. Then, you have Tanner, who's on the inside, writing all of these songs.

Serving A Bold Fashion Statement On Her First Major Red Carpet

Ask and ye shall receive 🤎 CMT back stage w John Shearer https://t.co/fO6lNtYVr3 pic.twitter.com/NekkeT01oz

— Tanner Adell (@tanneradell) April 10, 2024

I wore Bantu knots! I've always loved Bantu knots in all styles, the really small ones and the larger ones. There were ideas about whether I should do a certain number of them that was significant to me in some way.

I work very closely with Bill Wackermann, who was the CEO of Wilhemina Models. He does a lot of styling and has a close relationship with my manager. So, my manager was like, "You would love him!" At the time, I was trying to hone in on what myself is. What's the message I'm trying to convey through my fashion, hair, and beauty? 

Bill sat down with me, and I told him I wanted Natalia Fedner to do my dress, which is that stretchy chain metal dress. Originally, I thought I would do my long blonde hair, but Bill was the one who told me, "This is your first major red carpet as an invited artist. Think about what you want your hair to say." As a Black woman, our hair tells 1,000 stories with whatever it is, and the lightbulb went off in my head.

I knew I wanted my hair to say everything I needed to say without having to say anything at all. I also knew there would be a lot of people who didn't know the significance behind it or just thought it was some extreme hairstyle.

I've looked very deeply into my heritage. It turns out I have a bit of Bantu heritage in my DNA. I thought that was so cool because I do love the knots so much.

The CMT Awards were a big thing at my school, Utah Valley University. Everyone would get together in the dorms and watch the show. It's crazy that a couple years ago, I was watching it, and I'm here now. I feel very respected and loved. People I've looked up to would come up to me, and I was like, "I'm a huge fan." And they're like, "No! I listened to you."

I got to meet Gayle King, who I absolutely love. I remember watching her from afar while she was doing "CBS Mornings." She saw me from across the room, and I kid you not, in the middle of her interview, she started walking towards me. She was like, "I just want to tell you that you're so beautiful. The Bantu knots are stunning." That was my favorite moment of the night.

I also had the chance to see Tiera Kennedy. She's so sweet. We got matching blackbird tattoos before that. Being on the red carpet for the first time, it was comforting to see a familiar face. It really reinforces that idea that I belong here.

Being A Part Of COWBOY CARTER

So, I'm adopted. I have four siblings. We're all biracial, but our adoptive parents are both white. Obviously, my dad is a white man with five Black children. My parents always wanted me to understand that I am a Black woman, and he was very educational when it came to music. He taught me about the Black female power players and the buzz in the industry. But The Beatles were his favorite. So, when I finally told them the news, my dad immediately got choked up. He told me that "Blackbird" was one of his favorite Beatles songs.

My dad isn't the best with words when it comes to expressing his emotions, especially in front of people. He's a quiet, reserved dude. So, he eventually texts me, sending me screenshots about the meaning behind "Blackbird." The reason why it was his favorite song was because he had Black girls, and he told me, "This is special. This is not a burden to carry, but it might be a bit of weight on your shoulders. Keep your head up high and walk knowing that this is why he wrote this song."

I can remember going to a recital as a kid and being so nervous, but my dad was so confident and excited about my abilities. Was that strategic? Was it quiet strength? Maybe. It feels like this song has been a part of my whole life. So, to be on it, on such a massive album, feels very divine.

The whole process was a surprise. It took a few weeks to set in. But I always knew I would work with [Beyoncé], and I always said it's a matter of "when," not if. 

On the day of the Super Bowl, I saw that black-and-white picture of her, and I thought it looked a lot like a photoshoot that I took the week before. Let me make a tweet, just to put it out there. I don't know — she's magical! She has her way of knowing everything that's going on all the time. 

I think that tweet has almost 10 million views. It was fun to go back to that tweet to see the people who were supporting me. And also getting to say "I told you" to the people who didn't. It kicked off a Renaissance — pun intended.

Performing At Her First Stagecoach Music Festival

thank you so much @Stagecoach and thank you to @LEVIS for making me the first artist EVER to perform at Stage Coach with a custom Levi’s fit 🥹 thankyou for executing my vision so perfectly 🩷 https://t.co/NFs26JkC2j

— Tanner Adell (@tanneradell) April 28, 2024

I have bad social anxiety, and I get nervous in front of crowds and people. So, festivals were never something that interested me, but Stagecoach was always one I felt like I could go to. And I was not disappointed.

I had the first slot of the day, which is a s—ty slot for anyone, but you have to pay your dues in country music. It's how you build your cred with these festivals, to show you're a hard worker and will perform like you're at a sold-out show in Madison Square Garden. And I did.

Mentally, I prepared for no one. I told myself it was okay if nobody came, and I'll perform like I always do. I'll figure out where the camera is and perform it for the jumbotron, so if no one comes to the pit, the people watching the livestream will have a great show. 

Well, I didn't have an empty pit! People showed the f— up and out. I heard people in line thought they were going to miss it because the gates opened late. Within the first 10 minutes, the VIP pit was half-filled with people screaming and running in their sweet little cowboy boots and hats. That never happens at Stagecoach or Coachella, but it's a testament to the relationship I built within my listeners. It was eye-opening for me. I don't think I'm ever going to play to a dead crowd again.

Before, Levi's reached out and said I was the first artist they wanted to collaborate with for Stagecoach. So, they custom-made my outfit. I told them I have these ribbons, inspired by my mom, who was a rodeo queen. I also told them if they can't incorporate them, I probably won't do it. But they loved it! And it was special because it came back to my mom. She was a winner, so when I wear the ribbons, I'm also a winner.

My mom has competed in over 1,000 competitions and probably places in half of those. In Wyoming, we had a big wall, covered in those IQHA (International Quarter Horse Association) ribbons. She gave me a strong sense of competition.

Making Her Debut On Daytime TV

I have overcome very serious, debilitating stage fright. I don't get nervous anymore, and performing live is my favorite thing. But I was not prepared for what a television show taping looks like.

We had a soundcheck, and there were a bunch of suits in groups of threes and fours standing everywhere. There were all these cameras and lights. Then, I start realizing I'm about to meet J. Hud, who I made little custom Crocs for. It was a dream come true.

I know a lot about her story. We have very different upbringings, but we're similar in the sense of trying to stand on ground that isn't steady. I see her as someone who is a great example. She's reached so many different avenues. For me to be able to sit down with an EGOT winner is a great honor. 

I kind of like to keep my manifestations as quiet as possible. I don't tell anybody anything, but an EGOT is something I wouldn't mind having, you know?

I look at her as a woman who exceeded greatness. So, it was just amazing — and for my first television debut. I felt like this is right for me.

Why 2024 Is The Year Women In Country Music Will Finally Have Their Moment

See the full list of winners and nominees from the 2026 Grammys.

Watch highlights and exclusive Grammys content from the 2026 Grammys all year long.

At the 2026 Grammys, winning artists took to the stage with much more than gratitude on their minds. Grammy winners such as Lady Gaga and Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award honoree Cher supported rising artists, particularly women in the music industry. Kendrick Lamar deflected from his own victories to pay tribute to Luther Vandross, namesake of his Record-Of-The-Year-winning tune, and the hip-hop community at large.

In particular, many artists reacted to the ongoing campaign of deportations and anti-immigrant violence happening across the U.S. Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish and Olivia Dean all spoke movingly in support of immigrants, while many other artists wore "ICE OUT" pins.

Below, revisit some of the most moving acceptance speeches from the 2026 Grammys.

Watch all the 2026 Grammys acceptance speeches in full.

Kendrick Lamar Makes Rap History & Shouts Out The Hip-Hop Community

After dominating the 2025 Grammys with "Not Like Us," Kendrick Lamar took home five Grammys this year and became the rapper with the most Grammy wins ever. After winning three Grammys earlier in the day during the 2026 Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony, the Los Angeles artist won the first Grammy Award of the telecast for Best Rap Album for GNX. With this Grammy win, he topped JAY-Z's 25 wins to snatch the record for most Grammys won by a rapper.

"Every time I tell you this: Hip-hop is gonna always be right here," Lamar said in his Grammy acceptance speech, dedicating his win to the hip-hop movement. "We gonna be in these suits, we gonna be looking good, we gonna be having our folks with us, we're gonna be having the culture with us."

Kendrick also shouted out Clipse, with whom he won Best Rap Performance earlier in the day for their track "Chains & Whips." He would return to the stage once more before the end of the night to take home the Grammy for Record of the Year for his song "luther" with SZA, bringing his career total to 27 Grammy wins.

Bad Bunny Stands Up For Immigrants

Of the many statements made in support of immigrants at the 2026 Grammys, few felt more powerful and resonant than Bad Bunny's, who twice spoke on the issue on the Grammy stage. Accepting the Grammy for Best Música Urbana Album for DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, the Puerto Rican superstar front-loaded his acceptance speech with a rebuke of the dehumanizing rhetoric faced by immigrants, especially Latin Americans such as himself.

"Before I say thanks to God, I'm gonna say: ICE out," he declared. "We're not savage, we're not animals, we're not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans."

Later that night, after winning the Grammy for Album of the Year, a visibly shocked and overwhelmed Bad Bunny returned to the stage to deliver another Grammy acceptance speech, though this time mostly in Spanish. It was an appropriate move considering the history-making album is the first non-English-language album to ever win the Grammy for Album Of The Year. But given his stunned reaction, Bad Bunny may have just been too emotional to so quickly translate most of his thoughts. But in a fitting move, he dedicated his Grammy win to "all the people who had to leave their homeland, their country, to follow their dreams."

Olivia Dean Tearfully Takes Best New Artist

"I never imagined I'd be up here, let alone nominated," Olivia Dean said as she tearfully accepted the Grammy for Best New Artist. Having just performed her U.K. chart-topping single "Man I Need" on the Grammy stage, the British singer used her platform to speak out in support of immigrants, including her own grandmother, who immigrated to the U.K. from Guyana as part of the Windrush generation.

"I'm up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant," Dean said. "I'm a product of bravery, and I think those people deserve to be celebrated."

Lady Gaga Supports Women In Music

As well-known as she is for awards-show spectacles – Remember the meat dress? – Lady Gaga kept things (mostly) low-key and earnest. Following a dynamic performance of "Abracadabra," she returned to the stage to accept the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album for MAYHEM.

Thanking her fiancé, Michael Polansky, and her collaborators, including Cirkut, who won the Grammy for Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical winner, and Gessaffelstein, the latter of whom won the Grammy for Best Remixed Recording for his remix of "Abracadabra," Lady Gaga offered some encouraging words for women in the music industry.

"When you're in the studio with a bunch of guys, it can be hard," she said. "Always listen to yourself and always fight for your ideas, fight for your songs, fight for yourself as a producer."

"Abracadabra" also won the Grammy for Best Dance Pop Recording, bringing her total career Grammy wins to 16.

Lola Young Swears She Didn't Expect Grammy Win

Though Lola Young certainly had stiff competition in the Best Pop Solo Performance Category, including veterans such as Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga, nobody was more shocked at her Grammy win in than Young herself. The singer, also nominated for Best New Artist, had just wrapped an emotional piano rendition of her track "Messy" earlier in the evening, one of her first live performances in four months following a health scare.

"I don't have any speech prepared," a visibly shocked Young said. "I don't know what to say. Thank you so much!" Utterly overwhelmed and searching for words, Young dropped a few less-than-TV-appropriate words before thanking her friends and mother and fleeing the stage while in a state of pure ecstasy.

Billie Eilish Gets Serious During Song Of The Year Speech

Winning the Grammy for Song of the Year for "WILDFLOWER," her 10th Grammy, didn't seem to weigh heavily on Billie Eilish's mind as she took the stage to accept the award. Flanked by her brother and creative partner FINNEAS, both wearing "ICE OUT" pins, as were many of the other attendees, the pop star weighed in on the current anti-immigration policies being carried out in the U.S.

"No one is illegal on stolen land," Eilish said. "It's just really hard to know what to say and what to do right now … I feel really hopeful in this room, and I feel like we just need to keep fighting and speaking up and protesting, and our voices really do matter, and the people matter."

The more serious tone of the speech contrasted with Eilish's previous wins, but it felt more than appropriate given the current climate.

Cher's Audacious Return To The Grammy Stage

Cher is always a class act. With dozens of hits across a decades-spanning career, she earned the Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award deservedly. Her acceptance speech on the Grammy stage quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the night.

First, she gave a stirring speech reflecting on her storied yet tumultuous time in show business. "I was famous at 19 and had a top-rated show in my 20s, actually, but it didn't occur to me how rough my career was going to be," she said. "I was either a loser or winning an Oscar. I'm sure a lot of you in the audience know what I'm talking about."

Cher also reflected on her stint in the "elephant graveyard" of Las Vegas in the '80s and her pioneering use of AutoTune on her Grammy-winning hit single "Believe." She closed out her speech by encouraging the audience: "Never give up on your dream, no matter what happens. Live it, be it, and if it's not happening now, it will happen soon."

Then things got a little bit … whacky. Apparently unclear that she would be presenting the Grammy for Record of the Year, the singer nearly walked off the stage before the crowd and host Trevor Noah coaxed her back. Then she mistakenly declared the late Luther Vandross the winner, in reference to the winning song, "luther" by Kendrick Lamar and SZA. Oh Cher, don't you ever change!

Jelly Roll Goes Full Country Music

Jelly Roll had already won two Grammys earlier in the day for collaborations with Brandon Lake and Shaboozey, but it wasn't until the evening that he got to ascend the Grammy stage solo. Winning the Grammy for Best Contemporary Country Album for Beautifully Broken, he made his acceptance speech into a sort of country song in its own right, thanking his wife, referencing his Christian faith, and describing the troubles that led him to turn to music.

"I didn't think I had a chance, y'all," he said. "There were days that I thought the darkest things. I was a horrible human … There was a moment in my life that all I had was a Bible this big and a radio the same size and a six-by-eight-foot cell. And I believed that those two things could change my life."

The singer wrapped his speech by once again invoking religion: "Jesus is for everybody. Jesus is not owned by one political party. Jesus is not owned by no music label."

"luther" Wins Record of the Year

Cher may have been a bit off when she confidently misread that the Grammy for Record of the Year was going to "Luther Vandross." But the actual winners, Kendrick Lamar and SZA, made it clear that their chart-topping tune "luther" was a spiritual victory for the legendary R&B star who inspired the song, which prominently samples Vandross' and Cheryl Lynn's 1982 cover of "If This World Were Mine."

"First and foremost, let's give a shout-out to the late, great Luther Vandross," co-producer Sounwave began. "It was very, very, very important to keep the integrity of his record."

Lamar echoed the sentiment. "It's one of my favorite artists of all time, and they granted us the privilege to do our version of it. When we got that clearance, I promise you we damn near all dropped a tear.

"Being able to put our vocals on it, it proves that we were somewhat worthy to be just as great as them individuals," he continued. "They granted us that. They said, 'No cursing,' though."

Finally, SZA struck a note of hopefulness at the end of the speeches. "I know that right now is a scary time. I know the algorithms tell us that it's so scary, and all is lost," she said. "We can go on. We need each other. We need to trust each other and trust ourselves, trust your heart. We're not governed by the government, we're governed by God."

This Grammy win for "luther" puts Lamar in elite territory as a back-to-back Record Of The Year Grammy winner, joining fellow winners like Billie Eilish, U2, and the late Roberta Flack, the latter of whom was tributed in the annual In Memoriam celebration led by Ms. Lauryn Hill earlier in the ceremony.

Presented by Mastercard, the 2025 GRAMMY U  Fall Summit in Nashville brought members together for two days of panels, performances, and conversations on self-advocacy and connection - headlined by Maren Morris in conversation with King Princess, and featuring standout voices like Rico Nasty, Tanner Adell, Tayla Parx, Mickey Guyton, and more.

The Summit kicked off at the National Museum of African American Music for an artist-on-artist panel produced in collaboration with the Black Music Collective. Disruptors by Design: Creating New Sounds, where Rico Nasty, Tanner Adell, and Tayla Parx explored what it means to create without limits and advocate for themselves in every space.

A two-part networking experience encouraged attendees to put what they learned from the panelists into action. A Perfect Pitch networking panel shared how to develop long-lasting relationships in the industry, featuring a panel of accomplished professionals across music, business, and creative fields - Latoya Bennett-Johnson, Serena Lloyd, and Ryan Madora, moderated by Jessica Omokheyeke. Afterward, the lobby of the museum buzzed with excitement and inspiration as members connected with industry mentors during a networking mixer, explored photo opps and enjoyed specialty drinks provided by Mastercard. The evening concluded with an intimate performance by Mickey Guyton, preceded by a Q&A moderated by Brittney Spencer.

The next day, attendees gathered at Riverside Revival for the keynote conversation, Finding Your Voice, with Maren Morris, moderated by King Princess. Livestreamed on the GRAMMYs YouTube, the candid conversation explored artistry, identity, and finding your voice. Morris concluded the Summit with a special live performance.

Filled with laughter and honesty, the Fall Summit offered GRAMMY U members more than advice, feeling more like a living room conversation among friends that were deeply real and inspiring. Sony Pro Audio was a participating sponsor at this year’s Fall Summit.

The Summit "felt like food for my soul," said San Francisco Chapter Member Jaiel Mitchell. "It was so wonderful to be able to not only connect with my peers, and meet other folks who are growing and building the next iteration of the industry, but also to get to hear from so many dope women artists and leaders, who have blazed new trails in the industry. As an developing artist, getting to hear their stories and advice first hand was invaluable. I left with so many practical tools and the fire to continue to blaze trails in my own right!"

Read on for five takeaways from this year’s GRAMMY U Fall Summit in Nashville.

Be Your Own Biggest Advocate

In her keynote discussion, GRAMMY-winning singer/songwriter Maren Morris reflected on how self-belief shaped her journey, from her family serving as her first team to GRAMMY Camp, and eventually carving her own path in Nashville. That throughline of independence throughout her career led to the creation of some of her biggest hits.

Reflecting on early career advice, she shared, "Someone once told me making a record and promoting it is basically like playing a million lottery tickets," she shared, reflecting on advice from early in her career. "you say yes to everything… and see what sticks."

Maren Morris and artist-actor King Princess reflected on the importance of determination, especially when showing up fully as queer artists. They spoke about how visibility can inspire young fans seeking connection through music. Morris noted that listeners often revisit her lyrics for meaning, echoing King Princess’ experience of finding belonging in queer art during their own adolescence.

Mickey Guyton and moderator Brittney Spencer similarly reflected on identity and representation. "Don ’t be afraid to open your mouth," she told the audience during her Q&A, reflecting on finding her voice as a Black woman in country music. Guyton closed out the night with performances of "Black Like Me," "Remember Her Name," and more, a set that honored Breonna Taylor and celebrated the power of storytelling in country music.

Belonging Isn’t Given, It’s Created

Tanner Adell, Tayla Parx & Rico Nasty┃Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images

Throughout the Summit, conversations about identity were filled with camaraderie among artists and industry leaders who walk many different paths. Rico Nasty, Tayla Parx and Tanner Adell embodied that energy during the panel Disruptors by Design: Creating New Sounds. . 

Rapper and songwriter Rico Nasty said she often stands alone in her style, and compared her music journey to "creating [her] own island." Rico also shared  the importance of being okay with isolation on her "island" —  and is content to make it the coolest place for when her audience is ready to receive it. 

Singer/songwriter Tanner Adell added that she feels "fatigue" over constant talk of genre because "people come from all different backgrounds and write all different kinds of music." Their message was clear: belonging isn’t given, it’s created. As Nasty encouraged, "Push. You’re going to hit a lot of walls… it’s going to feel alienating… push."

The conversation naturally turned to equity and empowerment. GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter Tayla Parx emphasized knowing your worth and demanding fairness in every space.

 "BMI and the splits need to be equal… do not do work for free [because] Black women and women hurt the most in the industry," Parx emphasized. Her point resonated alongside recent milestones for Black women in country music - including fellow artists like Beyoncé, who became the first  Black woman to win a GRAMMY Award for Best Country Album. (Tanner Adell and Brittney Spencer also contributed to the GRAMMY-winning Cowboy Carter.) Parx also recently became one of the few Black women with a No. 1 song on the country charts.

"Being Nervous Means You Care"

Brittney Spencer and Mickey Guyton ┃Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images

GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter Mickey Guyton and singer/songwriter Brittney Spencer’s conversation brought magic and joy to the stage. Through inside jokes and giggles, the longtime friends and country music trailblazers spoke about nerves, resilience, and the courage it takes to keep showing up. Guyton shared that even after years of performing, she still gets nervous before shows, reminding the audience that "being nervous means you care." 

She spoke about facing cyberbullying in 2020 and how returning to the stage afterward felt daunting but necessary. The two reflected on their CMA Awards performance back in 2021of "Love My Hair," recalling how Guyton fought to ensure that Spencer and Madeline Edwards — two emerging Black artists in country music — received full support behind the scenes. 

"'You’re not about to put these women on a red carpet without wardrobe, hair, and makeup,'" she recalled telling the show's organizers. The result was a collaborative effort that turned Spencer and Guyton's  performance  into a statement of empowerment for Black women. Their conversation brought the night full circle: Truth and connection can build community through music.

Turn Small Moments Into Lasting Connections

Latoya Bennett-Johnson┃Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images 

The Perfect Pitch panel reminded members that real relationships often start with small, genuine interactions. Rather than focusing on networking for its own sake, panelists encouraged GRAMMY U members to lead with intention and self-awareness. 

"When you’re young, it can be hard to articulate your strengths, but being approachable can open doors," said Serena Lloyd, Vice President of Human Resources at entertainment company Big Loud. She recalled putting her phone down and starting a conversation at an airport bar that led to a five-year professional relationship. 

The panel was moderated by Jess Omokheyeke, Executive Assistant and Project Manager of DEI at the Recording Academy, who added, "Know yourself and be proud of what you do," emphasizing that confidence and clarity build connections. Latoya Bennett-Johnson, Vice President of Global Sponsorship at Mastercard, encouraged members to be intentional in every room, asking, "What do you want people to think, feel, and do?" 

Bassist, author and content creator Ryan Madora reminded attendees that connection doesn’t have to be formal. "Everybody’s standing there awkwardly," she said. "Sometimes you just want to talk to somebody so you’re not awkward." She shared that finding small points of common ground, like a shared city or favorite record, can turn a quick conversation into something lasting. 

The panel left members with one takeaway: meaningful connections come from being present, prepared, and genuine in every interaction. Members then headed to the lobby of the museum for part two of the networking experience, where they were able to try out their learnings in a speed-networking style mixer.

Success Looks Different For Everyone

GRAMMY U Members, Eric Foster White┃Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images

Members carried their energy from the Perfect Pitch panel into the official networking mixer, hosted by the GRAMMY U Mentorship Program Presented by Amazon Music. The room was filled with lively conversations as GRAMMY U members connected with mentors from across the industry, including Cameo Carlson, CEO at MTHEORY; Eric Foster White, CEO at Music Club Enterprises, LLC; Tracy Gershon, Founder of  Shero Entertainment and Consulting; Jen Hubbard, Director of A&R Sync at Concord Music Publishing; Leah Larocco and Kenyon Glenn from the Recording Academy. The curated mixer offered a speed-networking style flow, with rotations every 20 minutes so members felt encouraged to meet new mentors and members.

Throughout the two-hour experience, members had the chance to put their networking advice into practice while learning from professionals and creatives from nearly a dozen areas of the industry. Surrounding the mixer area, Mastercard hosted an interactive photo activation and offered specialty drinks as attendees continued mingling and building new connections.

Across the two days, the 2025 GRAMMY U Fall Summit echoed a resounding theme across panels and experiences - highlighting community, creativity, and a shared belief that success looks different for everyone, but connection is what keeps the music going.

Couldn't make it to Nashville? Catch every panel from the 2025 GRAMMY U Fall Summit on-demand here: https://events.recordingacademy.com/watch2025grammyufallsummit 

To attend next year’s GRAMMY U Fall Summit and join the GRAMMY U community, apply to become a member at www.grammyu.com. 

Abigail Hali Ng contributed to this story

The 2025 GRAMMY U Fall Summit Presented by Mastercard returns to Nashville, Tennessee this October. The two-day event will offer a multitude of opportunities for connection and inspiration, showcasing the many ways young professionals can get involved with and grow in the music industry. 

The 2025 GRAMMY U Fall Summit kicks off on Oct. 23 at the National Museum of African American Music, and will be held in collaboration with the Black Music Collective. GRAMMY U Members will learn from trendsetting artists including Rico Nasty, Mickey Guyton, Tayla Parx, Tanner Adell, and Brittney Spencer. They will also have the opportunity to grow their networking skills and connect with leaders from the Recording Academy, Mastercard, Concord Music Publishing, Big Loud, Amazon Music and more industry organizations. 

Day two of the Summit commences on Oct. 24 at Riverside Revival, where  GRAMMY-winning singer/songwriter Maren Morris will offer a keynote presentation moderated by singer/songwriter and producer King Princess. The Summit will conclude with a closing reception where GRAMMY U members can reflect on two days of career advice and development. This year’s GRAMMY U Fall Summit is Presented by Mastercard with participating sponsor Sony Pro Audio. 

Read on for all the insider details about what to expect at the upcoming 2025 GRAMMY U Fall Summit in Nashville.

Learn To Embrace Your Identity With Rico, Tayla & Tanner

More than ever before, contemporary artists are embracing their sound without the limitations of genres. The "Disruptors by Design: Creating Your Sound" panel, which kicks off the first day of the Summit at 2 p.m. will lean into the experiences of multiple artists who have done just that.

Known for her vocal range, genre fluidity and high-energy performances, rapper and songwriter Rico Nasty innovates her sound through her lived experiences. Singer/songwriter Tanner Adell — who collaborated with Beyoncé on her Cowboy Carter track "BLACKBIRD" — has paved her own way in country music and continues to redefine the spaces she's in.

Alongside the GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter and producer Tayla Parx, the three will discuss how artists are openly blending cultures, sounds, and identities during the panel.

Level Up Your Networking Skills

Networking is an integral part of succeeding in the music industry. While there are countless avenues to reach contacts, there's often limited time to create meaningful relationships. 

In GRAMMY U’s first-ever two-part curated networking experience, held on Oct. 23, members will learn advanced networking strategies and advice from valued sources. Industry professionals will share their experience during the "Perfect Pitch: How to Make a Lasting Impression and Build Relationships" panel, which will lead into a networking mixer where attendees can practice their new skills.

The session will feature panelists Latoya Bennett-Johnson, VP of Global Partnerships at Mastercard, Serena Lloyd, VP of Human Services at Big Loud, Ryan Madora, Bassist, Author & Content Creator, and moderator Jess Omokheyeke, Executive Assistant and Project Manager, DEI, Recording Academy. The four will provide insight from varying angles — industry executive, aspiring artist and established musician — and explore  the pathways to making connections as well as strategies to maximize interactions in person and online.

Members will have the chance to put these learnings into action during the networking mixer to follow, hosted by the GRAMMY U Mentorship Program Presented by Amazon Music. This signature GRAMMY U experience gives members the opportunity to connect directly with mentors from music companies like the Recording Academy, Amazon Music, Mastercard, Concord Music Publishing, Jump.Global, mtheory, MusiCares, and more. The curated networking session includes guided prompts that turn introductions into opportunities, helping members feel comfortable and confident as they make professional connections that could shape the next chapter of their careers.

Gets Up Close & Personal With Mickey Guyton

Closing out day one of the Summit, four-time GRAMMY nominee Mickey Guyton will take the stage for a special Q&A moderated by fellow singer/songwriter Brittney Spencer, followed by a performance by Guyton. 

Guyton, who previously delivered a powerful performance during the GRAMMY Salute to Cyndi Lauper, made history as the first Black woman nominated for Best Country Solo Performance with her breakthrough single "Black Like Me." Her fearless storytelling and commitment to representation have redefined the sound and soul of Nashville. Together Guyton and Spencer will reflect on their creative journeys, including Spencer’s collaboration with Tanner Adell on Beyoncé’s "BLACKBIRD" as well as Guyton’s upcoming solo work — and share how they continue to use their musicality and storytelling to inspire others. 

Spend An Evening With Maren Morris

Maren Morris is celebrated for revitalizing modern country music with authenticity and depth. The Texas-born and Nashville-based singer/songwriter will discuss what she's learned throughout her long music career, as well as the many hats she’s had to wear in the industry. 

In a conversation moderated by indie/pop artist and actor King Princess, Morris will share how she began her career as a songwriter, then share how she established herself on stage before thousands. Known for her unapologetic lyrics, with breakout hits like "My Church," Morris has built a career defined by authenticity. In this keynote interview, she'll open up about creativity, growth, and the skill it takes to stand in the spotlight in one's own story. 

Livestreamed on the Recording Academy's YouTube and Twitch at 6:30 p.m. CT on Oct. 24, "Finding Your Voice with Maren Morris" celebrates artistry, self-emergence, and the ongoing transformation of one of Nashville's most influential voices.

Morris will then perform exclusively for the GRAMMY U member audience. 

Celebrate The GRAMMY U Community

Following the keynote conversation and performance by Morris, attendees can join the Fall Summit closing reception — a two-hour celebration of connection and community, with sounds by GRAMMY U member DJ Coleman Christian. 

From GRAMMY U photo activations to mingling with other GRAMMY U members — the reception will provide a fitting end to a Summit designed to empower and connect the future generation of music industry professionals and creatives.

GRAMMY U members can register for the 2025 GRAMMY U Fall Summit taking place in Nashville, Tennessee October 23-24 here by Tuesday October 21. If you’re not a member, learn how to apply at grammyu.com.

For members who can’t attend in person, tune into the keynote conversation on the Recording Academy’s YouTube and Twitch channels from wherever you are. 

Imagine cementing your place among icons before releasing your debut project. Ink doesn't have to.

Born Atia Boggs, the Atlanta-raised singer/songwriter has become a go-to collaborator for the likes of Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Childish Gambino, Justin Bieber, Kacey Musgraves, Lil Nas X, and Jennifer Lopez. And now, she's stepping into the spotlight with BIG BUSKIN'. Out Oct. 3, the new EP will see Ink display her own star power, blending elements of country with hip-hop to create her unique genre-blending sound. 

BIG BUSKIN' — the title a tribute to her early days busking around her hometown — comes on the heels of a remarkable couple of years for Ink. After writing on Beyoncé's GRAMMY-nominated RENAISSANCE, Ink returned for Bey's Album Of The Year-winning COWBOY CARTER, co-writing its historic crossover hit "TEXAS HOLD 'EM." While that marked her first No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, Ink soon landed another thanks to "Luther," Lamar's latest smash with SZA that stayed at the top for a whopping 13 weeks.

"It's just a different level of craftsmanship that they have," Ink told Rolling Stone of Lamar and Beyoncé. "It alters my process and how I look at music."

When it comes to her own project, Ink declares that it's "definitely something special." "[BIG BUSKIN'] showcases a lot of different parts of myself," the three-time GRAMMY nominee shared in a statement. "Each chapter you're going to get something new, and each story you're going to get something true."

As Ink releases her debut EP with Big Loud Records, learn more about the inspiration behind her genre-defying sound and why she's earned Beyoncé's praise as an "artist's artist."

She Has Always Known She'd Be A Star

Ink's musical journey began when she taught herself guitar at a young age. Soon after, she began hitting the streets of Georgia to perform for anyone who'd be willing to listen. "I was playing for change, selling CDs, going straight to the people," she shared in press materials for BIG BUSKIN'.

As she recalled to Rolling Stone, Ink busked outside of Jay-Z and Beyoncé's show at the Georgia Dome in 2014 — not only a fateful situation, but one that displayed her confidence. "I wanted to go in there so bad, but [I thought,] 'I hope they have fun, because when I go in there, it's going to be my time.'"

Five years later, Ink doubled down on that manifestation upon seeing Beyoncé at the Roc Nation GRAMMY Week brunch in 2019. "I went up to her and said, 'Hey, I just wanted to let you know, I'm going to be writing your next album,'" she told Billboard, "And she giggled and said, 'What's your name?' We just hit it off."

Her Genre-Blending Sound Is No Coincidence

Ink's musical style is a melting pot shaped by her upbringing, deeply rooted in both her ethnic and social background. On BIG BUSKIN', she weaves together elements of country, rock and hip-hop — genres that can be described as the soundtracks of her life.

The Germany-born, Georgia-raised artist is influenced by singer/songwriters like Babyface, Tony Henry, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Lauryn Hill, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe. And with roots in the Cherokee and Blackfoot indigenous tribes, Ink's diverse background has helped a unique identity all her own.

It was her deep connection to the South — specifically, through Houston rapper Trae Tha Truth — that truly shaped her musical identity. "He's one of the reasons that I'm how I am today," she shared in a press statement.

She also counts GRAMMY-winning singer/songwriter/producer James Fauntleroy — who has worked with the likes of Bruno Mars, Justin Timberlake, and Rihanna — as a mentor, noting that he's shown support since they became Facebook friends in the late 2000s. "[He gave me the confidence to say, 'I can do this,'" she said to Billboard.

Now in her stride, Ink has even managed to blow Beyoncé's mind with her wide-spanning talent. "[Beyoncé] told me that she didn't understand how I was so consistent, because I'd always make different genres of music," Ink recalled in a press statement. "She said, 'You're an artist's artist,' and that gave me a boost of confidence to stay on my path and stay true to my authentic self."

This Isn't Her First Rodeo

BIG BUSKIN' will mark Ink's official debut with Big Loud Records, but it won't be the first time she's released a project. The singer/songwriter previously released three albums independently: 2018's Highlight Real, 2019's Backstreets and 2021's Imagine Not Knowing.

On Highlight Real, Ink tapped into more of her R&B sensibilities. With Backstreets, she incorporated her rock influences with acoustic and electric guitars. And on Imagine Not Knowing, she intertwined R&B stylings with hip-hop beats. Though none of the projects explored her country side, they each helped mold the innovative sound that has pushed her to the forefront today.

She's Become A Secret Weapon For Superstars…

Ink has become one of the music industry's trusty wordsmiths, co-writing songs for some of today's leading artists. Things first took off for her in 2015, landing credits on tracks by Monica, Tamar Braxton, Rick Ross and Mary J. Blige, and Plies and Jacquees. From there, she scored cuts with several more R&B and rap stars, including Yo Gotti, Remy Ma, Chris Brown, Leon Bridges, and Paloma Mami.

While her biggest moments as a songwriter have come with Beyoncé's "TEXAS HOLD 'EM" and Kendrick Lamar's "Luther," she landed more cuts with each of them, including Beyoncé's "16 CARRIAGES" and Lamar's other SZA collab on GNX, "Gloria." But those two are far from the only major stars she's written for in recent years: along with tracks by Lil Nas X, 21 Savage and Mariah the Scientist, Lay Bankz, and Latto, Ink co-wrote over 80 percent of Jennifer Lopez's ninth studio album, This Is Me…Now.

…And A Sought-After Collaborator

As Ink became more renowned as a songwriter, more and more artists recognized her talents as a singer. Her first big feature came in 2019 with Chris Brown and Justin Bieber's "Don't Check on Me," a song she co-wrote and co-produced; as she asserts, being asked to join as a featured artist was a major turning point in her career.

"It gave me so much exposure and another boost of confidence to have a superstar say, 'Hey, we're going to introduce you to the world,'" she told Billboard, adding, "that was one of the moments that led to the unstoppable train I'm on now."

She's also noted that her feature on Childish Gambino's funky 2020 single "Psilocybae (Millennial Love)" was another moment that transcended her artistry in another light. And since then, she's offered her vocal chops to NLE Choppa's "Hear Me," Leon Bridges' "Don't Worry," Zerb and The Chainsmokers' "Addicted," Lamar's "Dodger Blue," and BigXthaPlug's "24/7," among several others.

She's Ready To Get The Party Started

As Ink began her countrified new chapter earlier this year, the multi-faceted artist released "Turquoise Cowboy." While she has dubbed the anthemic track "a theme song for myself," the singer/songwriter sees its toe-tapping follow-up, "Hoedown," as a perfect depiction of the vibe she's channeling with this new music.

"[Hoedown is] a good way to introduce me to the world," she said in a press statement. "I like to dance, I like to get the party going, I like to keep the energy up."

With a desire to make timeless music and a larger-than-life personality, Ink is ready to show the world her true self with BIG BUSKIN' — and she's excited to take listeners along for the ride. "I do music so that I can interact with humans and turn up the frequency of the universe," she explains in a statement, "while showing people that this classic American music never left."