Every time Beyoncé releases a new album, she rewrites the rule book for everybody else.

From her self-titled visual album in 2013, and the confessional masterpiece that was 2016's Lemonade, to last year's disco fantasia Renaissance, she has changed the way that pop music is written, produced, released, presented and promoted.

She does so with awe-struck admiration from her peers. "You clearly are the artist of our lives!" declared Lizzo at tonight's ceremony, echoing words Adele said in 2017.

During the ceremony, Beyoncé picked up a record-breaking 32nd trophy. She was already tied with her husband Jay-Z as the most-nominated artist of all time (they have 88 each).

But for all that love, the big prizes have eluded her. Of the 16 times she's been nominated in the major, all-genre categories, she has won just once: Song of the year in 2010, for Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It).

This year, Renaissance was the presumed front-runner for album of the year. A deep and affectionate dive into black and gay dance culture, it was the most critically-acclaimed release of 2022.

But, for the fourth time in her career, Beyoncé was beaten to the top honour. This time Harry Styles took the crown. Previously, it was Beck, Adele and Taylor Swift.

What's the message the Grammys are trying to deliver here? Because it seems to be: "Stop being so impressive and write music we feel comfortable with".

It's a sentiment that's not entirely out of character. The industry created the awards in 1958 to promote "good" music amid the terrifying onslaught of rock and roll and, ever since, the Grammys have lagged behind every major movement in music.

Famously, The Beatles won more awards after they split up than they did together; and there were no rap categories until 1989.

So maybe, one day, when she's in her 60s, Beyoncé will get her dues.