The 39-year-old won four gongs from her nine nominations on Sunday, taking her total number of Grammys won over the years to 28, surpassing the 27 of bluegrass-country singer Alison Krauss.

The singer won best music video for Brown Skin Girl and best R&B performance for Black Parade, as well as best rap performance and best rap song for Savage, her collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion who also won three Grammy Awards on Sunday.

The haul means Queen Bey is level with revered producer Quincy Jones as the acts with the second most Grammy wins.

The late conductor Georg Solti remains the most successful, with 31.

Before delivering the acceptance speech, Beyoncé hugged husband Jay-Z.

She fought back tears while recalling her glittering career and paid tribute to black artists who "continue to inspire me and inspire the whole world".

She said: "I am so honoured, I am so excited. As an artist I believe it’s my job and all of our jobs to reflect the times and it’s been such a difficult time so I wanted to uplift, encourage, celebrate all of the beautiful black queens and kings that continue to inspire me and inspire the whole world.

"This is so overwhelming. I have been working my whole life, since nine years old and I can’t believe this happened, it’s such a magical night. Thank you so much."

Many took to social media to celebrate the Houston native’s achievements.

One person tweeted: “Congratulations Queen - Beyoncé is a living legend!”

Another wrote: “Beyoncé the greatest of all time. I really grew up watching her cement her legacy as a LEGEND.”

During her speech, Beyoncé paid tribute to her three children, including oldest daughter Blue Ivy, nine, who shared the best music video Grammy with her.

Blue Ivy is the second youngest winner in Grammy history.

The only winner younger than Blue Ivy is Leah Peasall, who was eight in 2002 when recognised for her appearance on the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack, which won album of the year.

Adding to a day to remember for Beyoncé’s family, Jay-Z shared the best rap song Grammy as he co-wrote Savage.