The 2025 Grammy Awards proved to once more be a night full of excitement and upset as it took to the stage and the small screen late Sunday night.
The 67th annual award show, which has been dishing out gramophone shaped trophies since 1959, aired live on CBS and Paramount+, changing up their format this year to specifically raise funds for the victims of the California wildfires that devastated Los Angeles throughout January.
Hosted by comedian Trevor Noah, the live portion of the ceremony opened with a tribute to the city by way of Randy Newman’s “I Love LA” performed by LA based brotherly duo Dawes, John Legend, St. Vincent, Brad Paisley, Sheryl Crow, and Brittany Howard.
Billie Eilish and Finneas then showed the city more love through a performance of Eilish’s “Birds of A Feather,” while showcasing photos of the two growing up in LA.
And while the show still had the focus of promoting and celebrating the best music released over the past year, as evidenced by the dozens of awards and performances that graced the storied stage over it’s near four hour broadcast, it was clear from both Noah and the performers that they were there for a bigger purpose than self-congratulations. This show was a love letter to both the industry and the City of Stars and the power of that could be felt through the screen, whether that be through the repeated announcements of funds raised via a streaming QR code that provided viewers at home a direct link to donate to MusiCares for wildfire aid programs, or through the show’s commercials- which featured donated time slots to help highlight small businesses who were impacted by the fires; each of which got special shout outs from musicians looking to lend a hand, such as the Jonas Brothers, Avril Lavigne, and Doja Cat.
You can read more about each of the broadcast’s live performances and who won each of the awards below, and if you would like to donate to the MusiCares foundation to do your part to rebuild LA, please visit the link here.
Awards
For the first award of the night, Best Rap Album, Cardi B crowned newcomer Doechii for her album ‘Alligator Bites Never Heal,’ making Doechii the third woman ever to win in this category, joining the likes of Lauryn Hill and Cardi B herself.
Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Anthony Keidis and Chad Smith presented Sabrina Carpenter with the award for Best Pop Vocal Album for ‘Short and Sweet.’
Taylor Swift went back to her roots to present the award for Best Country Album, presenting the award to none other than Beyoncé, who made Grammy history as the first black woman to win a Grammy in a country category in over 50 years.
Victoria Monet, the 2024 winner for Best New Artist passed the baton onto 2025 winner Chappell Roan, who spent the duration of her speech calling out record labels who use predatory practices such as underpaying their signed talent and employees, and denying health care coverage- ending her time on stage with the now viral line “Labels, we got you, but do you got us?”
Jennifer Lopez awarded the GRAMMY for Best Latin Pop Album to Shakira, who was celebrating her 48th birthday at the ceremony.
SZA, a 2024 winner for this same category, presented the award for Best Pop Duo/Group to Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars for their collaboration “Die With A Smile.” During their acceptance speech Lady Gaga, who has always been a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ community, shared extra sentiments of love following a tumultuous political month. “Trans people are not invisible. Trans people deserve love. The queer community deserves to be lifted up. Music is love.”
Miley Cyrus presented Record of the Year to Kendrick Lamar, who won his 4th Grammy of the night for the iconic Drake diss track “Not Like Us.”
Trevor Noah shared a quick shout out to the Educator of the Year, Adrian L. Maclin, Industry Icon, Jody Gerson, and the Best Song for Social Change winner “Deliver” by Iman Jordan, Rou Gartell, Tam Jones and Ariel Loh.
Queen Latifah took the stage to celebrate the career and accomplishments of fellow performer Alicia Keys, a 17 time Grammy Award winner who became the recipient of the 2025 Dr. Dre Global Impact Award. As an advocate for women and people of color who has spent decades giving voices to those who may not be heard otherwise, Keys continued sentiments shared earlier by Lady Gaga- directly calling out Donald Trump’s recent attack on Diversity Equity and Inclusion programs. “DEI is not a threat, it’s a gift. The more voices, the more powerful the sound,” Keys stated. “When destructive voices try to burn us down, we rise from the ashes like a phoenix.”
Diana Ross made a special appearance to present the award for Song of the Year, and before sharing who won the coveted prize, Ross shared her own words of wisdom with the crowd, speaking specifically to the children impacted by the California fires.
“You are not alone, we stand with you. My heart reaches out to you,” she stated. “May this moment remind us all of the power that we hold to rebuild, to lift, and to come together with compassion, and by reminding our future generations that even in the darkness, we can rise again and keep the light of hope and love alive.”
As for the award, it was no surprise to the crowd that Ross presented the trophy to Kendrick Lamar, who was starstruck by Ross and dedicated his speech to his fellow west coast rappers, showing appreciation for those who helped shape his career into what it has now become. This award was the fifth and final award Lamar was nominated for this season, and after winning all five categories he officially became a 21 time Grammy winner.
To close out the night, the Los Angeles Fire Department took the stage to announce the winner of Album of the Year, being met with thunderous applause and a standing ovation from all nominees and attendees.
“Thank you for supporting all of us and recognizing the heroes that are standing behind me and the she-roes,” Fire Chief Anthony Marrone shared, honoring both the collection of fire fighters joining him on stage, and those who traveled in to assist them over the past month. “I would like to thank first responders who came from near and far to battle this wildfire siege. In the midst of unprecedented fire conditions their selfless acts of courage and commitment were nothing short of inspiring.”
And in step with the historic weight of their presence, the LAFD then went on to make further Grammy Award history by announcing Beyoncé as the winner of Album of the Year- marking the first time in her 3 decade spanning career that she took home the top honor of the night, despite several prior nominations.
“I would like to acknowledge and praise all of the fire fighters for keeping us safe. I feel very full and very honored, it’s been very many years,” Beyoncé shared in her speech, making her own subtle acknowledgement at the power of the moment. “I just hope we keep pushing forward, opening doors.”
Performances
Sabrina Carpenter performed an old Hollywood meets slapstick comedy-esque medley of singles from her album ‘Short and Sweet’ including “Please Please Please” and “Espresso.”
Introduced by her close friend Olivia Rodrigo and showcasing her full star-power accompanied by countless western style clowns, big billboards and a giant pink horse, LA’s own Midwest Princess Chappell Roan performed “Pink Pony Club” to a thunderous applause.
Genre bending Best New Artist nominees Khruangbin, performed their track “May Ninth.”
Best New Artist nominee Benson Boone performed amongst the crowd before audience members Heidi Klum and Nikki Glazer helped him with a quick change, revealing a backflip worthy sparkly blue jumpsuit in which he ran onto the stage and belted out his hit “Beautiful Things.”
Grammy winner Doechii, joined by dozens of dancers dressed in identical uniforms, captivated the crowd with a performance of her tracks “Catfish” and the recently vital “Denial is a River.”
Teddy Swims performed an ear catching rendition of his single “Lose Control,” which despite coming out in 2023 has had listeners hooked for nearly two years.
Shaboozey took the stage with a soulful few bars of “Good News” before being joined by a string trio and dancers who helped launch into his hit single “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”
Raye took a full orchestra along with her for a cinematic performance of “Oscar Winning Tears.”
Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars united for a performance of The Mamas & The Papas’ “California Dreamin’,” to pay further tribute to LA.
Viewers were treated to a surprise performance by The Weekend, who made his return to the awards after a 4 year boycott to perform his new singles “Cry For Me” and “Timeless.”
This surprise appearance came after a powerful introduction by Recording Academy President Harvey Mason Jr., who highlighted all of the changes the Recording Academy have made since the performer’s 2021 boycott was announced- in which The Weeknd called out the Academy’s lack of diversity and transparency. Notable changes included adding nearly 3 thousand new members, increasing the number of younger members to 60%, and bringing the total percentage of members of color to 40%; along with creating designated programs for members of the LGBTQ community, women and people of color to have their voices heard and connect within the Academy.
Will Smith, Cynthia Erivo, Herbie Hancock, Jacob Collier, Lainey Wilson, and Stevie Wonder united for a tribute to the late Quincy Jones, performing “Fly Me To The Moon,” “Let The Good Times Roll,” “We Are the World,” and closing with Janelle Monae joining for an iconic rendition of “Don’t Stop ‘til You Get Enough.”
3 time Grammy winner Gloria Estefan, who won her own award earlier in the evening, introduced Shakira, who took the stage for the first time since 2007 and had the entire crowd moving and shaking along with her at every dance break.
Closing out the performances of the night, Charli XCX brought BRAT Summer back as she took the stage to perform a medley of tracks with special guests Julia Fox, The Dare, Alex Consani and Gabriette joining her on stage. And while the focus was definitely on getting the crowd hyped up, during the performance of her track “Guess,” (which sadly was not sung with Billie Eilish) the singer also filled the stage with undergarments which she announced will be donated to victims of domestic violence through the organization I Support The Girls.
You can see the full list of Grammy Award nominees and winners here, and check out some of the top moments of the night as ranked by the Recording Academy below.
