Grammys: Megan Thee Stallion Becomes First Female Rapper to Win Best New Artist in 20 Years

Megan Thee Stallion won best new artist at the 2021 Grammy Awards, beating out fellow nominees Ingrid Andress, Phoebe Bridgers, Chika, Noah Cyrus, D Smoke, Doja Cat and Kaytranada.

The Houston rapper becomes the first female rapper to win best new artist since Lauryn Hill in 1999.

Megan accepted her award on the show’s outdoor stage from Lizzo and seemed surprised and emotional as she took a minute to get to the stage after sitting in the audience, sporting an orange mask to match her dress.

Once she got to the microphone, Megan said, “I don’t want to cry,” as she celebrated her fellow nominees, calling them all “amazing,” as fellow nominees Cyrus and Doja Cat could be seen in the audience wearing masks.

Amid her thank yous, a car driving by the downtown-Los Angeles set-up could be heard, which she noted.

“It’s been a hell of a year, but we made it,” she said in part, as her Grammy sat on a clear podium next to her.

Megan also thanked her late mother, who she said was with her in spirit and always believed she could do it.

The 2021 Grammys is taking place from downtown L.A., hosted by Trevor Noah, and airing live on CBS.