The 2025 Grammys were quite the show, with iconic performances from this year’s biggest artists, such as Charli XCX, Doechii, Chappell Roan and many more. I would like to give a special shoutout to Jaden Smith and his homely outfit, along with Benson Boone’s attempt at Freddie Mercury, with a mid-performance flip in his sparkly baby-blue leotard.
Not only did this year’s awards ceremony honor the musicians accomplishments, but it highlighted the fires that ravaged the communities of Pacific Palisades and Altadena. Shouting out local businesses, such as the beloved PaliSkates, gave a platform for the world to see how the fires affected those across Los Angeles. The night brought in over seven million dollars in donations towards fire recovery efforts.
Trever Noah, who hosted the event, kept a serious tone, addressing the recent tragedies that have occurred since 2025 has begun. Broken up by lively performances and awards, the night celebrated artistry and encouraged unity across divides.
Many musicians took the opportunity to speak up during their acceptance speeches. Lady Gaga called out the current attacks on Trans people in America (“Trans people are not invisible)”; Chappell Roan called out record labels (“We’ve got you, but do you got us?”); and Shakira dedicated her award to immigrant “brothers and sisters” and women who work hard for their families everyday, “The true She-wolves.”
Some of the night’s most notable awards would have to go to Doechii, Chappell Roan, Kendrick Lamar, and Beyonce.
Starting with Best Rap Album, Doechii took home this award with Alligator Bites Never Heal. She’s the third ever woman to win this category, Lauren Hill(1997), Cardi B(2019), and now Doechii. Going from posting on Youtube in 2020 after she lost her job to winning a Grammy 5 years later, Doechii encouraged Black women and girls with, “Don’t allow anybody to project any stereotypes on you that tell you that you can’t be here,” “You can do it. Anything is possible.”
For Best New Artist, I don’t think anyone was stunned when Chappell Roan was knighted this award. With her meteoric rise to fame, Chappell has secured her name amongst the greatest pop musicians of this generation. The single, “Good Luck, Babe,” and album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, blew up, occupying several spots on the charts. The public is definitely highly anticipating Chappell’s next move in music release.
The award for Best Record was somewhat of a toss-up, but the second “Not Like Us” was announced, it made perfect sense. The cultural significance and popularity of this song was truly unbelievable, Kendrick won over everyone in this spirit of rivalry with his unbeatable songwriting. As he walked up in his Canadian suit to accept his award, the entire crowd went in on “tryna strike a chord and it’s probably A-MINORRRR.” Someone check on how Drake is doing please.
To end the night, Beyonce took home Best Album. Cowboy Carter won yet another award after Best Country Album. There has been major backlash for the choice of album of the year, many people believe that Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft, or Charli XCX’s Brat, deserved to win. I can’t help but agree, Cowboy Carter didn’t have nearly as big of an impact as HMHAS or Brat, I would have loved to see Charli or Billie walk out with Album of the Year. However, Beyonce definitely deserves this award, and Cowboy Carter is a great record. After two decades, Beyonce finally won Best Album and that is well-earned.
The performances this year were nothing short of entertaining, each their own interactive production. With over a dozen performances this evening, there were a few that were the stars for me:
Raye’s performance of “Oscar Winning Tears” was absolutely stunning, her voice transcended all expectations, leaving the audience and everyone watching on their TV at home dumbfounded. I immediately heard the resemblance of Raye’s incredible voice with the forever missed Amy Winehouse.
Following Doechii’s Grammy victory, she put on a stunning performance of “Catfish” and “Denial is a River,” wowing the audience–camera panning to dazed Billie Eilish and SZA.
Billie’s “Birds of a Feather” performance was fantastic, with a creative and authentic set design, and a casual showing off of vocals per usual.
Of course, Chappell Roan’s performance of “Pink Pony Club” was nothing short of her magical flair. Say what you want about Chappell(not really), you can’t deny she is an extremely talented performer. “Sing it!!” and the crowd yelled, “God what have you done!?,” without fail.
I absolutely loved Sabrina Carpenter’s humorous and old-timey performance of “Espresso” and “Please Please Please.” Her personality shines through each of her creative choices, which I think is a huge reason for her success.
The Weeknd’s surprise appearance, ending his boycott against the Grammys, shocked the audience and was quite the interesting show, with guest Playboi Carti.
This was a music video, but Lady Gaga’s premiere of “Abracadabra” was so good, the synth in that song has been on repeat in my brain since it dropped. As the people say, recession pop is back!
Now best for last, Charli XCX’s Grammys debut performance was insane and had you wishing you were on that stage for the “Guess” beat drop. Starting “Von Dutch” outside the venue, with model of the year Alex Consani and Gabriette behind her. Charli made her way to the main stage with a rave waiting for her, with guests in the crowd such as The Dare, and Quenlin Blackwell.
This performance was beyond fun, Brat was brought to the Grammys and so was the party. My only wish was that Billie was up there for her verse in “Guess,” regardless Charli did fantastic.
