The 67th Grammy Awards unfolded dramatically on February 2, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, crowning the biggest names in music and showcasing powerful performances, all under the watchful eye of host Trevor Noah. Amid fears of cancellation due to devastating wildfires affecting the region, the event proceeded as planned, streaming live on CBS to celebrate the year's outstanding achievements.
This year's spotlight shone brightly on Beyoncé, who made history by winning Album of the Year for her genre-defying record, Cowboy Carter. Her victory marks the first time she has claimed this prestigious award, which she had been nominated for previously but never won. "I just feel very full and very honored – it’s been many, many years," Beyoncé expressed during her acceptance speech, beaming alongside her daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, as she accepted this significant prize.
Kendrick Lamar also dominated the evening, achieving the remarkable feat of winning all five categories for which he was nominated, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year for his impactful track, Not Like Us. "We’re gonna dedicate this one to the city," Kendrick said, referencing Los Angeles and the community he holds dear, as he accepted his accolades on stage, which included Best Rap Album and Best Rap Performance.
Despite the shine of Beyoncé and Kendrick, the evening was bittersweet for Taylor Swift, who left empty-handed after being nominated for six categories. The musical powerhouse, whose album The Tortured Poets Department was the best-selling album of 2024, was met with disbelief from fans online. One wrote, "Taylor Swift being snubbed at the Grammys for her best lyrical album ever was not on my bingo card... Down Bad crying in my bed rn (sic)." This unexpected turn left many questioning the Grammy voters' decisions.
Other major winners of the evening included Chappell Roan, who claimed the title of Best New Artist. She made headlines not only for her talent but also for her powerful acceptance speech advocating for improved conditions for artists within the industry. "I told myself, if I ever won a Grammy and I got to stand up here...I would demand...that labels...offer a livable wage and health care, especially to developing artists," she passionately declared, receiving standing ovations from the audience.
Sabrina Carpenter won both Best Pop Vocal Album for Short n' Sweet and Best Pop Solo Performance for her hit Espresso, solidifying her role as one of pop's rising stars. Meanwhile, Shakira dedicated her Grammy for Best Latin Pop Album for Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran to immigrants, stating, "You are loved. You are worth it, and I will always fight with you," reinforcing the night's theme of inclusion.
The show also celebrated the legacy of diversity, with Alicia Keys emphasizing the need for varied voices within the industry during her acceptance of the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award. "This is not the time to shut down the diversity of voices. We’ve seen on this stage...it’s not a threat it’s a gift," she reminded the audience, voicing the sentiments of many who feel the need for broader representation.
Other winners included Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance with Die With a Smile, and Charli XCX taking home several awards, including Best Dance/Electronic Album for Brat. The Beatles were also honored for Best Rock Performance with Now and Then, showcasing the enduring nature of their music.
Throughout the evening, various performances highlighted the resilience of the music community. The ceremony opened with Randy Newman’s iconic I Love L.A., performed by Dawes with John Legend and others, showcasing the support for the city grappling with recent disaster recovery. Such moments reinforced the Grammys not just as a celebration of music, but as a potent symbol of community spirit.
Even The Weeknd, who previously boycotted the ceremony, made his grand return with performances of Timeless and Cry For Me, signaling changes within the Recording Academy and affirming its commitment to diversity.
With all the celebrations, the 2025 Grammy Awards reaffirmed music's power as a medium for change, creativity, and unity. Fans are left to reflect on the stark realities of awards snubs, historical victories, and the need for meaningful dialogue within the industry.
For those interested, here’s the complete list of winners from the major categories:
- Album of the Year: Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé
- Record of the Year: Not Like Us, Kendrick Lamar
- Song of the Year: Not Like Us, Kendrick Lamar
- Best New Artist: Chappell Roan
- Best Pop Vocal Album: Short n’ Sweet, Sabrina Carpenter
- Best Latin Pop Album: Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, Shakira
- Best Rap Album: Alligator Bites Never Heal, Doechii