The 2025 Grammys, held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, were nothing short of a spectacle.
I mean, can we just take a minute to acknowledge the sheer star power that was concentrated in one building?
From the emotional highs to the jaw-dropping performances, this was one for the history books.
But it wasn’t just about the glitz and glamour; the Grammys also stepped up to show support for a city reeling from recent wildfires.
It wasn’t just a celebration of music; it was a celebration of resilience.
The night kicked off with a performance of Randy Newman’s “I Love L.A.,” a fitting tribute to the city that houses so much musical history.
And speaking of music history, the show raised a staggering $7 million for wildfire relief, proving that even in the face of adversity, the music industry has heart.
Stars showed up in force, many sporting ribbons and pins to support MusicCares relief efforts, further reinforcing this sense of community.
All in all, it was a night to remember.
Beyoncé Finally Wins Album of the Year – And It’s Historic!
Let’s be honest, we’ve all been waiting for this one.
After *many, many* years and a whole lot of nominations, Beyoncé finally took home the coveted Album of the Year award for Cowboy Carter.
Yes, you read that right.
The crowd went absolutely wild as she dedicated the award to Linda Martell, a pioneering Black country artist featured on her album.
It was a moment of pure emotion, and even the famously stoic host, Trevor Noah, was visibly moved by it all.
And who could forget that sweet hug she gave her daughter, Blue Ivy, on her way off stage?
Heartwarming.
Beyoncé, in her acceptance speech, expressed immense gratitude, thanking everyone from her collaborators to, importantly, the firefighters who presented the award, acknowledging their selfless acts during the recent Los Angeles fires.
It was a lovely nod to the everyday heroes.
She emphasized her desire to “keep pushing forward and opening doors,” a sentiment that resonated deeply with everyone watching.
She also secured the Best Country Album award for Cowboy Carter which is just, let’s face it, iconic.
You can watch her speech where she accepts the Best Country Album here:
What’s even more amazing is that she is only the fourth Black woman *ever* to win Album of the Year, joining the ranks of legends like Lauryn Hill, Natalie Cole, and Whitney Houston.
Talk about making history, right?
Kendrick Lamar’s Double Victory
And the wins didn’t stop there!
Kendrick Lamar was another big winner of the night, and his victories were no less impactful.
He walked away with both Song of the Year and Record of the Year for his scorching hit, “Not Like Us.” It’s a track that had already become an anthem for Los Angeles following the recent fires, so the victories felt all the more poignant.
Lamar dedicated his wins to Compton, Watts, and the San Bernardino Valley, all located in and around Los Angeles, and a clear nod to his roots and the community that shaped him.
“This is a true testament that we can continue to restore the city,” Lamar said in his acceptance speech, referencing the devastating wildfires.
He then shouted out the song’s producer, Mustard, adding that personal and authentic touch.
By the end of the evening, Kendrick Lamar’s five Grammy wins showcased his immense impact on the music scene.
Charli XCX’s Brat Summer Continues
If you thought “Brat Summer” was over, think again!
Charli XCX absolutely slayed the Grammys with a high-energy medley of “Von Dutch” and “Guess.” It was a full-blown spectacle featuring her collaborators, a “parking deck” set, and, yes, even some strategically dropped underwear that ended up being donated.
Even Billie Eilish, who is featured on the remix of “Guess”, was seen cheering from the audience – maybe “Brat winter” is officially in session?
Charli didn’t just perform; she put on a show that was both musically impressive and visually captivating.
Alicia Keys’ Powerful Message: DEI is a Gift
Alicia Keys, honored with the Dr.
Dre Global Impact Award, delivered a speech that was as moving as it was important.
She spoke about her personal experiences as a female songwriter, composer, and producer in a male-dominated industry.
She went on to say “It’s strange that we don’t think of women as producers…but female producers have always powered the industry.” She also co-founded the non-profit, She Is The Music, to give other women the opportunities and recognition they deserve.
Keys concluded her speech by emphasizing that “DEI is not a threat, it’s a gift.” Her call for diversity and inclusion resonated throughout the arena and beyond.
The Weeknd Returns, Lady Gaga Premiers a New Video
And here’s the interesting part… after his public criticism, The Weeknd made an unannounced return to the Grammy stage, performing a medley of his new songs “Cry for Me” and “Timeless.” It seems like bygones are bygones, especially when there’s a new album to promote.
It’s interesting to see how things change.
Speaking of promotion, Lady Gaga premiered her new music video for “Abracadabra” during a commercial break, showing that she knows how to steal the show, even without an official performance slot.
A Touching Tribute to Quincy Jones
The tribute to Quincy Jones was another standout moment of the night.
Will Smith introduced the tribute, describing Jones as “one of the most groundbreaking and influential figures of our times.” The tribute was an epic medley of his works, performed by a variety of artists including Cynthia Erivo, Herbie Hancock, Lainey Wilson, Jacob Collier, and Stevie Wonder.
The performance culminated in Janelle Monáe channeling Michael Jackson, complete with a sparkly tuxedo and an effortless moonwalk.
It was a heartfelt and fitting tribute to a true music legend.
Other Memorable Moments
- Taylor Swift’s Dance Moves: Every time the camera panned to Taylor Swift in the audience, she was seen cheering and dancing along, which made for some fun moments.
And we’ve got to give a shout out to her very visible excitement for Beyonce’s win.
You can check out her reaction along with Jay-Z right here: - Blue Ivy’s Gentle Nudge: Beyoncé’s daughter, Blue Ivy, gave her a sweet little nudge to get her up on stage for her Best Country Album win.
It was an adorable reminder that even queens need a gentle push sometimes. - Chappell Roan’s Powerful Speech: Best New Artist Chappell Roan used her acceptance speech to call out the industry for better treatment of developing artists, requesting that they receive a livable wage and healthcare.
- Stevie Wonder’s Tribute: His performance of We Are the World, with student singers from schools affected by the fires, was profoundly moving.
The Night’s Surprises and Upsets
Okay, let’s talk surprises.
How many of you thought that The Weeknd’s relationship with the Grammys had totally gone up in flames?
Well, you’d be wrong.
Then, there was Chappell Roan, who definitely surprised a lot of folks with her win for Best New Artist.
She ended up delivering a speech calling for better treatment of developing artists – bold and inspiring, if you ask me.
Oh, and did I mention the fact that all the televised awards went to women, at least until later in the evening?
How’s that for girl power?
Grammy Winners – The Breakdown
So, who walked away with the gold besides Beyoncé and Kendrick?
- Sabrina Carpenter took home Best Pop Vocal Album for Short n Sweet.
- Doechii won Best Rap Album for Alligator Bites Never Heal.
- Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Die With a Smile”.
- Shakira secured the Best Latin Pop Album award for Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran.
- Charli XCX won for Best Dance/Electronic Album (Brat).
She also secured Best Dance/Pop Recording, and Best Recording Package. - The Beatles won Best Rock Performance for “Now and Then.”
It was a night of first-time wins for many, and those victories are truly what make the Grammys worth watching.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Grammys were a whirlwind of emotions, incredible performances, and a few unexpected twists.
The night honored the music, the artists, and the resilience of Los Angeles, it was about celebrating the power of music to connect us all.
From Beyoncé’s historic Album of the Year win to Kendrick Lamar’s lyrical dominance and Chappell Roan’s powerful speech, it was a night that will be talked about for years to come.
And the $7 million raised for wildfire relief efforts?
That’s just the cherry on top of what was a very inspiring and memorable evening.
So, after all that has happened, will this year’s Grammy Awards be remembered as one of the best?
What do *you* think?
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2025 Grammys
Who won Album of the Year at the 2025 Grammys?
Beyoncé won Album of the Year for her album Cowboy Carter.
How many Grammys did Kendrick Lamar win?
Kendrick Lamar won a total of five Grammy awards, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year for "Not Like Us."
Who was honored with the Dr.
Dre Global Impact Award?
Alicia Keys was honored with the Dr.
Dre Global Impact Award and delivered a powerful message about DEI.
Did The Weeknd return to the Grammys?
Yes, The Weeknd made an unannounced return to the Grammy stage, performing a medley of his new songs.
What other artists won at the 2025 Grammys?
Other notable winners include Sabrina Carpenter for Best Pop Vocal Album, Doechii for Best Rap Album, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, Shakira for Best Latin Pop Album, Charli XCX for Best Dance/Electronic Album, and The Beatles for Best Rock Performance.
Reflecting on the 2025 Grammy Awards
The 2025 Grammys were an unforgettable night, marked by historic wins, powerful messages, and moving tributes.
The event showcased the depth and breadth of the music industry, from Beyoncé’s long-awaited Album of the Year win to the community spirit of raising funds for wildfire relief.
It was a reminder of music’s power to unite, inspire, and uplift.
Continue the Grammy Conversation
- Explore the winning albums and singles from the 2025 Grammys, listed above.
- Check out the full video of Beyoncé’s acceptance speech for Best Country Album.
- Share your thoughts and reactions to the show on social media and discuss with friends.
