Billie Eilish and Taylor Swift made headlines at the 2025 Grammy Awards, where Eilish faced significant recognition but left without any golden gramophones.
Despite garnering seven nominations, including high-profile categories such as Album of the Year for Hit Me Hard and Soft and Song of the Year for "Birds of a Feather," Eilish left the ceremony empty-handed, which many fans labeled as a major snub from the Recording Academy. Alongside Eilish, Swift also failed to win any awards, even with nominations for her album The Tortured Poets Department.
During the ceremony, Beyoncé took home the Album of the Year award for Cowboy Carter, and the night's other big winners included Kendrick Lamar, who swept Song of the Year and Record of the Year with his hit "Not Like Us." Swift's nominations included record of the year and best music video, both of which she lost to other artists.
Fans expressed their dissatisfaction on social media, with some questioning the Grammy’s voting process and decisions. "Imagine having the two biggest albums of the year and not winning a single Grammy," one Swift fan account tweeted. Another echoed the sentiment by saying, "...this is objectively the most well-crafted, best cinematographic music video...at least this decade's,’ referring to Swift’s music video for "Fortnight." Nominations are determined by the Recording Academy's voting members, which include various music industry professionals.
While Swift seemed to enjoy the night with jovial interactions—dancing away with friends during performances—Eilish's demeanor appeared to change after losing the coveted awards. There were visible emotions when the camera captured her reacting to Beyoncé’s win, noting the significance of the moment as Beyoncé clinched her first Album of the Year award after 25 years.
Additionally, Taylor Swift's gestures during the show hinted at camaraderie between her and Eilish, dispelling long-standing rumors of tension between the two. During breaks between segments, videos surfaced showing Swift and actress Margaret Qualley dancing joyfully to Eilish’s performance of "Birds of a Feather." Such moments highlight the respect and admiration the artists seem to share.
The backdrop of potential feud rumors stemmed from Eilish's critiques of the industry. Earlier this year, she addressed artists' practices of releasing multiple album cover variants to boost sales. Many misconstrued these comments as veiled jabs at Swift, who has been known for such strategies. Eilish later clarified her statements, asserting they were not directed at anyone personally and aimed at industry-wide concerns. Similarly, her previous remarks about concert lengths purportedly targeting Swift drew ire from fans who championed their favorite artists.
Despite the drama and tension, the Grammy night remained focused on the performances and the celebratory atmosphere of music. Eilish dazzled on the red carpet, appearing first-time this year, donning a stylish black and white ensemble, reflecting her growth not only as an artist but as a fashion icon. Among her nominations, Eilish’s collaboration with Charli XCX for "Guess" also received recognition, underscoring her continued influence and collaborations within the industry.
Performing at the Grammy stage after her FireAid benefit concert, Eilish gave attendees and viewers a taste of her artistry. Her song "Birds of a Feather" quickly emerged as one of the most streamed tracks of the past year, with passionate performances garnering both fan acclaim and critic reviews. "I feel like this album is me," Eilish expressed discussing her latest project, noting her deep connection to her work.
Sympathy and dedication to her art are evident as she has cultivated her touring experience during her break before resuming her World Tour this February. Eilish declared her newfound appreciation for performing, stating, "I wish this tour would never end!" drawing attention to how she intends to create positive, enjoyable experiences for herself and her audience.
Continuing her philanthropic efforts, Eilish has also participated actively to give back to affected by the Los Angeles wildfires, performing at the FireAid. Her genuine love for the city, where she has roots, adds another layer to her artistry and commitment to social issues.
Though both artists left without awards, their future together on stage and collaborations continue to hold promise for the industry. Fans will be eagerly awaiting the next chapter, filled with creativity and possible future collaborations between not just Eilish and Swift, but among other rising stars and industry legends as well.