Written by: Lylah Tran
The annual 2025 Grammy Awards, held on February 5th at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, recognized artists who shaped the past year in music. The event took place against the recent wildfire, with an opening tribute that emphasized resilience.
“The 2025 Grammys were a night of remarkable performances and long-awaited victories that will be remembered for years to come,” GRAMMY.com exclaims.
The beginning tribute was held by the folk-rock band Dawes, who performed Randy Newman’s “I Love L.A.” The opening set included Grammy favorites such as John Legend and Sheryl Crow. Other performances included Sabrina Carpenter’s big-band-inspired set of Espresso, in which she incorporated energetic choreography and costume changes.
One of the most notable moments was Beyoncé’s win for Cowboy Carter, which earned her the Album of the Year Grammy, marking her first victory in this category. This win was notable for her career achievements but also because she became the first Black artist to win Best Country Album.
As vulture.com notes, the American Singer-Songwriter expressed surprise and gratitude, saying, “Wow, I really was not expecting this.”
Kendrick Lamar also had a successful night, taking home five Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Rap Song of the Year for Not Like Us. Lamar also won Best Rap Performance and Best Music Video, highlighting his continued influence in the rap genre (vulture.com). He showed appreciation for his recognition, dedicating his wins to the people of Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, Doechii, received the Grammy for Best Rap Album and shared an emotional acceptance speech. Vulture.com describes her commitment to sobriety and expressed gratitude for the rewards she felt she had earned. This win signified growing recognition for emerging talent in the industry.
The performances throughout the night were a highlight in themselves, with Chappell Roan’s performance of Pink Pony Club featuring dancers and a large pink pony as part of the stage design. Roan’s visually striking performance was also marked by her outspoken stance on artist compensation. Vulture.com notes that during her acceptance speech for Best New Artist, she addressed the importance of artist rights.
“Labels, we got you, but do you got us,” the American Singer-songwriter questioned. Her comment addressed ongoing concerns about fair pay within the industry (vulture.com).
Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars also performed a soulful rendition of California Dreamin’, adding a fitting tribute to the resilience of those affected by the California wildfires (vulture.com). Their performance provided a nostalgic and moving moment during the event.
A tribute to music legend Quincy Jones followed, starting with Cynthia Erivo’s performance of Fly Me to the Moon. While the performance had some uneven moments, it ended on a high note with Stevie Wonder and Janelle Monáe delivering a powerful rendition of Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough, reflecting Jones’ significant influence on music.
The evening concluded with Beyoncé’s win in the Album of the Year category. This victory, following previous disappointments at the CMAs and the Grammys, was marked by her emotional acceptance speech, according to vulture.com. “I just feel very full and very honored,” she expressed. Her win was seen as an acknowledgment of her career and the broader changes in the Recording Academy’s recognition of talent.
Despite some missteps, the event highlighted the ongoing diversity and progression in the music industry. The Grammy Awards continue to shape musical culture, balancing tradition with innovation.
The Belltower 