Finneas O'Connell, the elder brother and collaborator of pop sensation Billie Eilish, took to social media following their substantial losses at the 2025 Grammy Awards, where they left with no wins from seven nominations. The duo, known for their hit song "Birds of a Feather," was nominated for prestigious categories including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year, but faced fierce competition, most prominently from Kendrick Lamar.
The Grammy ceremony unfolded on February 2, 2025, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Lamar triumphed significantly, taking home five awards, including Song and Record of the Year for his controversial track "Not Like Us." For Eilish, the night was bittersweet—though she has nine Grammys under her belt, this time, she walked away empty-handed, which came as a shock to many fans and observers.
Despite the results, Finneas appeared to maintain a positive attitude. He shared his thoughts on Instagram after the event, celebrating the overall experience of being nominated among such talented artists. "Great Grammys!!! So honored to have been nominated among so many amazing songs/albums," he expressed. He also took the opportunity to address the fanbase directly: "I don't wanna see ANYONE with a photo of me or Billie as their PFP getting' in fights with other artists' fans in comment sections!!! Be at peace! Congratulations to all!!" His plea for harmony among music lovers echoed prominently as social media platforms erupted post-awards with fans showcasing their loyalty to respective artists.
This year's Grammy event was particularly historic, highlighted by Beyoncé's significant victories. Beyoncé snagged three awards, including Album of the Year for her acclaimed country album, "Cowboy Carter". This brought her all-time total to 99 nominations, making her the most nominated artist ever. She had previously been tied with her husband Jay-Z at 88 nominations.
During the ceremony, Finneas and Billie performed their nominated song, “Birds of a Feather.” Their heartfelt rendition included visuals reflecting their Los Angeles roots—a nostalgic tribute amid the glimmery flair of the event. The emotional performance was well-received, reminding attendees of their artistic contributions, even if the trophies did not follow.
One notable aspect of the evening was the warmth between artists, as many attendees, including Finneas and Billie, were seen cheering for the performances of other artists. Eilish was spotted singing along to Charli XCX's set and showing support for the winners as they celebrated their triumphs. Observers noted her emotional reaction when Beyoncé claimed her award, signaling her sportsmanship even amid personal losses.
Beyond the flair of accolading performances, the night also reflected challenges faced by the music industry, particularly for up-and-coming artists. Chappell Roan spoke passionately about the need for record labels to offer healthcare to developing musicians, highlighting the often-overlooked struggles within the industry.
While losses at award shows can provoke fan-driven animosity, Finneas's comments sought to preempt divisiveness. His call to action signifies hope for improved interactions among artists and their supporters—a much-needed bridge amid heated fandom rivalries.
Looking back, Billie Eilish remains one of the youngest artists to achieve remarkable milestones, having won multiple Oscars and Grammys. Her artistic prowess continues to shine bright, with moments such as being the youngest to claim awards across major film and music ceremonies for her song “No Time to Die.” Despite the setbacks at the recent Grammys, her continued influence and resilience within the music industry promise fans more compelling projects and performances to look forward to.
Overall, the 2025 Grammy night was filled with stunning performances and verified artistry, even for those who didn’t walk away with the golden gramophones. The camaraderie witnessed among artists showcased the essence of music’s celebration, transcending individual accolades. Finneas and Billie's message of unity resounded through the evening, reminding fans and fellow artists alike of the joy of music beyond competition.