Why Beyoncé Is So Late to the 2023 Grammys and Missed the Acceptance Speech for Her Award

Beyoncé is the most nominated artist at tonight’s Grammys, but when she was awarded Best R&B Song for “Cuff It” shortly into the ceremony, she wasn’t there to accept it. Nile Rodgers accepted the award for her, and host Trevor Noah explained to the audience what was going on with Bey. She is not skipping, he made clear. She is “on her way,” he said, and just stuck in Los Angeles traffic.

She did finally make it by 9:19 P.M. ET/6:19 P.M. PT. She appeared seated next to Jay-Z in a gold dress right before Harry Styles performed.

Skipping the red carpet and arriving later to award shows isn’t uncommon for the singer. But tonight, there’s rumors she could perform at the ceremony. She also seems poised to make history there and break the record for most Grammys ever won by an artist.

Before the ceremony began, Beyoncé picked up three Grammys during the pre-show and won one during the ceremony for “Cuff It.” She is just one win away from breaking the record, which could happen later tonight.

Beyoncé is up for nine awards this evening: Record of the Year (“Break My Soul”), Album of the Year (Renaissance), Song of the Year (“Break My Soul”), Best Dance/Electronic Recording (“Break My Soul”), Best Dance/Electronic Music Album (Renaissance), Best R&B Performance (“VIRGO’S GROOVE”), Best Traditional R&B Performance (“PLASTIC OFF THE SOFA”), Best R&B Song (“CUFF IT”), and Best Song Written for Visual Media (“Be Alive” for King Richard). At this point, Bey would break the record if she wins Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, or Best Dance Album, all yet to be announced.

Soon enough, she’ll be at the Los Angeles Crypto.com Arena, where the show is being held—and where she’ll hopefully make history soon enough.

Senior News and Strategy Editor

Alyssa Bailey is the senior news and strategy editor at ELLE.com, where she oversees coverage of celebrities and royals (particularly Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton). She previously held positions at InStyle and Cosmopolitan. When she’s not working, she loves running around Central Park, making people take #ootd pics of her, and exploring New York City.