Watch Grammy-goers erupt with excitement and surprise as Beyoncé clinches the Best Country Album award.
The Grammys sure know how to call themselves “Music’s Biggest Night,” and this year they delivered a show full of surprises, unforgettable performances, and a few tear-jerking moments. Here’s a rundown of the top highlights:
- Beyoncé Breaks the Ceiling
After years of snubs—even for classics like I Am… Sasha Fierce, Lemonade, and Renaissance—Beyoncé finally clinched Album of the Year with Cowboy Carter. And as if that wasn’t enough, she also took home Best Country Album. It was a massive moment, especially since she wasn’t even on the radar at last year’s Country Music Awards. This win really underscores the shifting tides in the music industry. - Kendrick Lamar’s Moment to Shine
Kendrick Lamar dominated the night with his track “Not Like Us.” Nominated in five categories, his song swept every award it was up for. Originally written as a diss track in his feud with Drake, “Not Like Us” has grown into an anthem for Los Angeles—especially poignant after the recent wildfires. With his Super Bowl Halftime Show performance and a massive stadium tour with SZA on the horizon, Kendrick’s momentum is only set to grow.
- A Telethon That Turned Into a Tribute
Even though the organizers promised the broadcast wouldn’t feel like a telethon, the night ended up being a heartfelt call for help. Host Trevor Noah kept coming back to donations, and the show opened with a rousing rendition of “I Love L.A.” by rockers Dawes, joined by John Legend and Sheryl Crow. Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars later traded their own hit for a cover of “California Dreamin’” in a moment that perfectly captured the evening’s blend of celebration and support. - New Artists Steal the Spotlight
While megastars like Beyoncé, Kendrick, Taylor Swift, and Billie Eilish dropped colossal records in 2024, it was the breakout talent that really lit up the night. From Sabrina Carpenter’s theatrical medley to Benson Boone’s high-energy performance and Teddy Swims’ electrifying delivery, fresh faces got their chance to shine. Not to mention Chappell Roan, whose powerhouse performance of “Pink Pony Club” and heartfelt Best New Artist acceptance speech calling for better support for emerging artists was one of the show’s standout moments.
- Doechii’s Big Night
Even though she didn’t snag Best New Artist, Doechii walked away with Best Rap Album for Alligator Bites Never Heal. Her performance—featuring dynamic renditions of “Catfish” and “Denial Is a River”—along with her inspiring victory speech, positioned her as a rising star ready to dominate future Grammy shows.
- Charli XCX’s Brat-tastic Moment
Charli XCX may have missed out on the top prizes, but she still left a mark by picking up three Grammys for Best Electronic/Dance Album, Best Dance Pop Recording, and Best Recording Package. Her high-energy medley of “360” and “Guess” featured plenty of surprise guest appearances and even a cascade of undergarments (destined for charity), making it one of the most memorable performances of the night.
- A Tribute Fit for Quincy Jones
In a moving homage to the legendary Quincy Jones, who passed away last November at 91, the show featured an extended tribute medley. Icons like Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Will Smith, Cynthia Erero, Jacob Collier, Lainey Wilson, and even Janelle Monáe (standing in for Michael Jackson) joined forces to celebrate his unparalleled influence on music.
- The Weeknd’s Return and Lady Gaga’s Pay-to-Play Moment
After years of boycotting the Grammys, The Weeknd made a surprise return, performing a medley of new tracks like “Cry for Me” and “Timeless” after an introduction from Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. Meanwhile, Lady Gaga, who did snag nominations, opted to buy some airtime to premiere her new single “Abracadabra,” reminding everyone that sometimes you have to pay to make an entrance.
- The Premiere Ceremony’s Marathon Run
Before the main telecast, a lengthy four-hour premiere ceremony handed out 85 awards across 94 categories. It was a wild ride—one memorable moment being former President Jimmy Carter winning his fourth Grammy. Other sentimental highlights included Tank and the Bangas clinching a Tiny Desk Contest win and French metal band Gojira finally taking home Best Metal Performance for “Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça ira!),” a win that many fans cheered on. - Not Everyone Walks Away Happy
Despite the night’s many wins, some of the biggest names faced heartbreak. Billie Eilish, who once swept the Grammys’ big four categories, ended up without a win on this occasion. Taylor Swift, no stranger to Grammy success with her 14 wins, also left empty-handed in her category. But even in loss, both artists maintained their signature cool—Taylor Swift was seen celebrating with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, keeping the mood light even in defeat.
In sum, the 2025 Grammys proved once again why they call it “Music’s Biggest Night”—from historic wins and emotional tributes to unexpected returns and breakout performances, it was an unforgettable celebration of music and culture.
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