The 2025 Grammy Awards delivered unforgettable moments as it celebrated the best of the music industry, paying tribute to late singer Liam Payne among other highlights. Hosted by Trevor Noah at the Crypto.com Arena, the night showcased numerous performances, emotional tributes, and even fashion statements from attendees.
One of the most poignant moments of the night came during the Memoriam segment when Liam Payne, the former One Direction star, was honored following his tragic death late last year. The singer, who passed away at the age of 31 when he fell from his hotel balcony in Argentina on October 16, 2024, was remembered through montages highlighting his career.
The tribute included clips of Payne performing with his One Direction bandmates, reminding fans of the huge impact he had on the music scene. A touching quote from Payne echoed through the arena as he recollected the surprise and joy of the band's meteoric rise: “We never expected any of this to happen. If you actually sit and think about it, we've done some amazing things.” Coldplay’s Chris Martin then took the stage, dedicately performing “All My Love” to Payne and other artists who passed away last year, bringing tears to the eyes of many attendees.
Meanwhile, Julia Fox made her birthday one to celebrate by hitting the stage with Charli XCX for her song “Guess.” Fox, along with fellow models Alex Consani and Gabbriette Bechtel, brought glamour to the event, sporting eye-catching outfits reminiscent of lingerie fashion. Consani donned a daring leather bikini under sheer fabric, and Bechtel sported a beautiful slipdress by Dolce & Gabbana. On her part, Charli XCX showcased her vintage-inspired Dior look, complete with denim accents and sheer stockings.
This year’s Grammy Awards also aimed to give back, as Victoria’s Secret teamed up with Charli to donate 10,000 pairs of panties to the I Support the Girls Foundation, promoting a message of support for women everywhere.
Among the spotlighted artists, Charli XCX not only delivered memorable performances but also walked away with three Grammy awards, including Best Dance Pop Recording for her hit “Von Dutch” and Best Dance/Electronic Album for “Brat.” With Beyoncé leading the nominations with eleven, other nominees included Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, and Taylor Swift.
On another powerful note, Lady Gaga emphasized love and acceptance during her acceptance speech for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Die With a Smile.” She voiced her support for the trans community directly after the controversial stance taken by President Donald Trump, proclaiming, “Trans people are not invisible. Trans people deserve love. The queer community deserves to be lifted up.” Earlier, fellow artist Chappell Roan also dedicated her words to trans rights, saying, “It’s brutal right now, but trans people have always existed, they will never be invisible.”
Following her powerful statement, Gaga premiered her new single “Abracadabra,” heightening excitement as she is also set to headline Coachella.
Another highlight came when musician St. Vincent, also known as Annie Clark, surprised fans with her family announcement during her Grammy acceptance speech after winning for Best Rock Song. The singer revealed her marriage and her daughter, thanking them as part of her heartfelt message. “First I want to thank my beautiful family — my beautiful wife Leah and our beautiful daughter,” she said, generating warmth and applause from the audience.
Meanwhile, The Weeknd made his long-awaited return to the Grammys stage, performing new songs from his album Hurry Up, Tomorrow. This marked the artist's first appearance since his public boycott over previous nominations he found unfair. The Canadian singer, dressed to impress, belted out his latest tunes, which included collaboration with notable artists like Lana Del Rey. The re-appearance of The Weeknd underscored the lasting importance of the Grammys as both a musical ceremony and emotional homecoming for artists.
The night, filled with emotional farewells, vibrant fashion, and heartfelt messages, stood as a reminder of the power of music and its role as both entertainment and advocacy. With unforgettable performances marking the 67th Grammy Awards, attendees and viewers alike were left reflecting on the music and its creators, highlighting not just the entertainment, but also the voices behind the performances.