The 2025 Grammy Awards took place in the shadow of recent wildfires that hit Los Angeles. You could feel the tension—would the show even happen? But the Recording Academy pulled through, mixing heartfelt tributes to the community with a celebration of last year’s music. Here are the moments that had us cheering, cringing, and everything in between.
Beyoncé’s Big Win
First up, Beyoncé finally took home the Album of the Year award for her country album, Cowboy Carter! After years of feeling overlooked, her emotional acceptance was a sight to see. She shared the stage with her daughter, Blue Ivy, creating a full-circle moment. “It’s been many years,” she said, clearly moved. Not only did she win, but she dedicated her award to country pioneer Linda Martell, reminding us to keep pushing boundaries in music. Honestly, I was just as shocked as she was!
Sabrina Carpenter’s Old Hollywood Vibe
Sabrina Carpenter completely owned the stage with a performance that felt like something out of a classic film. Picture a glamorous staircase and a few (planned) mishaps that turned into a charming tribute to Old Hollywood. She dropped her cane, and the spotlight played tricks on her—but she rolled with it like a pro. Her jazzy rendition of “Espresso” had everyone laughing, especially when her backup singers joke, “Someone’s getting fired.” Talk about making the best of a situation!
Doechii’s Inspiring Moment
Doechii, the rising star, won Best Rap Album, and her speech was incredibly touching. You could see the tears in her eyes as she talked about her journey to sobriety and how she committed herself to her art. Her message to Black women was powerful: “Don’t let anyone project stereotypes on you.” Watching her perform “Catfish” and “Denial Is a River” was a highlight of the night, showcasing her talent and authenticity.
Kendrick Lamar’s Big Night
Kendrick Lamar had an amazing night, winning in every category he was nominated for, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year with “Not Like Us.” His energy on stage was electric, and you could see the pride in his eyes as he accepted each award. He reminded us of the power of rap music, and it felt like he was reclaiming his space in the industry after a tough year.
Chappell Roan: A Celebration of Pride
Chappell Roan’s performance was a colorful celebration of queer pride. Riding a foal and surrounded by rodeo clowns, she turned her song “Pink Pony Club” into a vibrant statement about acceptance and joy. It was a blast to watch, especially when her dancers waved flags with trans pride colors. Her energy lit up the stage, making it a moment to remember.
The Weeknd’s Vibe
In a surprising twist, The Weeknd made a guest appearance that didn’t quite match the night’s overall mood. His performance of “Cry for Me” was dark and intense, which felt a bit out of place among all the positivity. While it was cool to see him back, the aggressive lighting and heavy vibe left some of us scratching our heads.
A Few Missed Opportunities
While there were tons of unforgettable moments, some things felt off. Trevor Noah’s joke about Colombia fell flat and felt cringeworthy. Plus, there was a noticeable lack of political statements, especially given recent events. A few artists touched on issues like diversity and immigration, but it would’ve been great to see more using their platforms to address important concerns.
A Night to Remember
Overall, the 2025 Grammys were a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing the resilience and creativity of the music world. From Beyoncé’s heartfelt win to Doechii’s inspiring speech, the night was filled with moments that reminded us why we love music. Sure, there were some awkward moments and jokes that didn’t land, but that’s what makes these shows entertaining. Here’s hoping next year brings even more unforgettable performances!