Major Winners
Beyoncé Makes History
Beyoncé once again proved why she is the Queen of the Grammys by winning Album of the Year for Cowboy Carter. This marks her first win in this prestigious category after four previous nominations. With this victory, she now holds 35 Grammy Awards, making her the most awarded artist in Grammy history. Her emotional speech celebrated the journey of Black artists in country music, acknowledging the genre’s roots and evolution.
Kendrick Lamar’s Big Night
Kendrick Lamar had one of the most talked-about nights, taking home Record of the Year and Song of the Year for Not Like Us. The track, which became an anthem for Los Angeles, was a defining cultural moment of the year. In his acceptance speech, Kendrick dedicated the awards to his city and the influence of hip-hop on global music.
Chappell Roan Wins Best New Artist
Chappell Roan emerged as the breakout star of the night, winning Best New Artist. In her heartfelt speech, she used the platform to advocate for fair compensation and better healthcare for musicians, emphasizing the challenges independent artists face. Her bold fashion choice and powerful message made her one of the most memorable winners of the night.
Notable Performances and Moments
Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars Pay Tribute
Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars joined forces for a mesmerizing performance of California Dreamin’, a tribute to Los Angeles and the victims of recent wildfires. Their soulful rendition brought the audience to their feet, with stunning visuals highlighting the resilience of communities affected by natural disasters.
Stevie Wonder’s Emotional Tribute
Music legend Stevie Wonder led an emotional tribute to Quincy Jones, performing We Are the World alongside a choir of students from wildfire-affected schools. The performance served as a powerful reminder of music’s ability to bring people together during difficult times, leaving many in tears.
The Weeknd Ends Grammy Boycott
One of the biggest surprises of the night was The Weeknd’s return to the Grammys. After years of boycotting the awards due to concerns over transparency in the nomination process, the artist made a shocking appearance. While he didn’t perform, his attendance signaled a possible reconciliation with the Recording Academy.
Additional Highlights
Charli XCX Wins First Grammys
Charli XCX had a career-defining night, winning Best Dance Recording for 360 and Best Dance/Electronic Album for Brat. These were her first Grammy wins, solidifying her influence in the electronic and hyperpop scenes. She thanked her loyal fans for their unwavering support and teased new music in her acceptance speech.
Sabrina Carpenter’s Breakthrough Moment
Sabrina Carpenter had a massive night, taking home three awards, including Best Pop Solo Performance and Best Pop Album. Her rise to mainstream pop stardom has been undeniable, and her wins solidified her position as one of the biggest pop acts today. Her emotional acceptance speech acknowledged the struggles she faced in the industry and the overwhelming support from her fans.
The 2025 Grammy Awards were a celebration of musical excellence, cultural moments, and historic wins. With unexpected surprises and powerful performances, this year’s ceremony will be remembered as one of the most significant in recent years.
