The 2025 Grammys were full of unexpected moments, surprise guests and historic milestones that sparked conversation.
2024 was a year dominated by breakthroughs in music. Artists such as Chappell Roan, Doechii, and Benson Boone gained massive amounts of fame, breaking through as new artists. Charli XCX and Sabrina Carpenter broke boundaries this year, as they have been in the industry for years, and jumped into a new level of stardom in 2024.
Pre-Show Awards
Before the show, most of the awards had already been presented to those in less mainstream categories. Some notable awards include:
Best Alternative Music Album: “All Born Screaming,” St. Vincent
Best R&B Album: “11:11 (Deluxe),” Chris Brown
Best Dance/Electronic Album: “Brat,” Charli XCX
Awards
Best Rap Album: “Alligator Bites Never Heal,” Doechii
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: “Die With A Smile,” Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars
Best Pop Vocal Album: “Short n’ Sweet,” Sabrina Carpenter
Best Pop Solo Performance: “Espresso,” Sabrina Carpenter
Best New Artist: Chappell Roan
Song of the Year: “Not Like Us,” Kendrick Lamar
Record of the Year: “Not Like Us,” Kendrick Lamar
Album of the Year: “Cowboy Carter,” Beyoncé
Performances
For a year dominated by music, the Grammys saw a plethora of stars take the stage, including an unexpected performance by The Weeknd. Sabrina Carpenter performed hits such as “Espresso,” and “Taste” from her album “Short n’ Sweet,” in a 1920s-themed stage performance. Grammy-winning artist Doechii, performed songs off of her 2024 mixtape “Alligator Bites Never Heal” in a high-energy routine. Exhilarating performances were put on by artists such as Chappell Roan, and Charli XCX.
When asked about the performances, Georgia Southern student and Grammys fan Marjae Branch said, “They were really good actually. I really enjoyed Sabrina’s and Charli XCX’s performances but everyone else did good as well.” One of the biggest surprises of the night was an electrifying surprise performance by The Weeknd that sparked conversations about the social aspects of The Grammys.
Social Impact
The Grammys have been no stranger to criticism throughout the years, with artists stating that the awards have been unfair to minorities. The Weeknd is an artist who has boycotted the awards since 2021 for being corrupt, and not being inclusive of all artists. This year has marked a turning point for the awards, as the head of the Recording Academy made a statement during the show talking about their efforts to make the show diverse. Nearly every major award won was by a person of color.
Beyoncé was the first African-American woman to win the Best Country Album award, along with her first-ever Album of the Year award. “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar swept on the Grammys stage, with Kendrick’s first-ever Record of the Year win. Other artists such as Alicia Keys used their platforms to speak out against the current administration, stating, “DEI is not a threat, it’s a gift.” Chappell Roan, also advocated for equitable access to affordable healthcare for artists while accepting her Best New Artist award.
Branch commented on the efforts the Grammys are making towards diversity and inclusion. “You usually don’t see a lot of black people or other minorities dominate the Grammys so it was refreshing to see a lot of them get their recognition,” she said.
Lady Gaga used her platform in the show as well to give recognition to the trans community, as the Grammys spotlighted marginalized groups and their accomplishments throughout the night.
Honoring California
The Los Angeles area where the Grammys were held was ravaged by the Palisades and Eaton Fires. This took a massive toll on the city; well known for entertainment and music. Donations were encouraged throughout the show, and clips of the fire were scattered throughout, illustrating the resilience of the community and Los Angeles County. Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga sang a tribute performance to those affected by the fires with a cover of “California Dreamin,” by The Mamas and the Papas.
You can donate to those affected by the California fires here.
The Grammys were a final nod to 2024 and the accomplishments made by artists across the world. Music defined culture in 2024 and made the voiceless feel seen. The Grammys sparked important conversations and demonstrated how powerful music is in our lives.