The superstar and Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, and Frank Sinatra had previously shared the record for three best album awards.
Amidst concerns about her health, Celine Dion surprised everyone by showing up to present her with the trophy. Taylor Swift also unveiled a surprise new album during the occasion.
At the presentation on Sunday, Miley Cyrus and Billie Eilish won the other two top prizes.
Music stalwarts Tracy Chapman and Joni Mitchell gave rare and moving performances, and R&B artists SZA and Victoria Monét, as well as the all-female indie ensemble Boygenius, took home many honors at the Los Angeles show.
Killer Mike was the top male winner, taking three rap trophies. But his success was overshadowed by an apparent altercation backstage, which led to him being “booked for misdemeanor battery”, LA police said.
The top Grammy Awards
Album of the year – Taylor Swift, Midnights
Record of the year – Miley Cyrus, Flowers
Song of the year – Billie Eilish, What Was I Made For?
Best new artist – Victoria Monét
Celine Dion and Taylor Swift celebrated
Dion got a rapturous reception when she emerged to present the best album trophy, almost a year after she was forced to cancel all of her live shows after being diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder.
“When I say that I’m happy to be here, I really mean it from my heart,” she told the audience.
There was an equally enthusiastic response when Dion announced Swift’s name as the winner of best album.
The historic achievement is one of many the star has notched up in recent years. She said she “would love to tell you that this is the best moment in my life”, but that simply finishing a song, rehearsing or preparing to play a show makes her equally happy.
Celine Dion at the Grammys
“For me, the award is the work,” she said. “All I want to do is keep being able to do this. I love it so much. It makes me so happy. It makes me unbelievably blown away that it makes some people happy who voted for this award too.”
Swift previously won album of the year in 2010 for Fearless, in 2016 for 1989, and in 2021 for Folklore.