The 2025 Grammy Awards were a night to remember, with Beyoncé finally taking home the coveted Album of the Year award for her groundbreaking album Cowboy Carter. This win marks a significant milestone for the superstar, who has been nominated in this category four times previously, often feeling overlooked in the past. The moment was made even more special as members of the Los Angeles Fire Department presented her with the trophy, highlighting the community spirit of the evening.
In her acceptance speech, Beyoncé expressed her gratitude and dedicated the award to Linda Martell, the first Black woman to perform at the Grand Ole Opry. “It’s been many, many years,” she said, acknowledging the long journey to this moment. Host Trevor Noah echoed this sentiment, celebrating the achievement as long overdue for one of music’s most transcendent artists.
Kendrick Lamar takes home two major awards
Kendrick Lamar also had a stellar night, winning both Song of the Year and Record of the Year for his powerful diss track Not Like Us. This victory is historic, as it marks only the second time a hip-hop single has won in this category, following Childish Gambino’s This Is America. Lamar dedicated his awards to the city of Los Angeles, giving a shout-out to various neighborhoods that shaped his artistry.
The Weeknd’s surprise performance
Another highlight of the evening was The Weeknd’s surprise performance, which marked a reconciliation with the Grammy Awards after his previous criticisms of the organization. He performed his new singles Cry For Me and Timeless alongside Playboi Carti, showcasing his growth and the changes within the Recording Academy’s voting body.
Chappell Roan: A voice for artists
Chappell Roan was named Best New Artist, and her acceptance speech resonated with many as she called for better treatment of artists in the industry. She urged major labels to provide living wages and healthcare, sharing her own struggles as a developing artist. “Labels, we got you, but do you got us?” she concluded, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
A night of celebration and resilience
The 2025 Grammy Awards also paid tribute to the resilience of Los Angeles, which has been affected by devastating wildfires. Noah opened the show by honoring those impacted, and throughout the night, various performances and speeches highlighted the city’s spirit. Billie Eilish, a native of Los Angeles, performed her hit Birds of a Feather, further emphasizing the connection between the music industry and the city.
Star-studded performances and emotional tributes
The evening was filled with star-studded performances, including a tribute to the late Quincy Jones, introduced by Will Smith. The tribute featured a range of artists, including Cynthia Erivo and Stevie Wonder, celebrating Jones’ incredible impact on the music industry. Additionally, Janelle Monae delivered an electrifying performance of Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough, channeling Michael Jackson with her signature flair.
First-time winners and powerful messages
Many artists celebrated their first Grammy wins, including Doechii, who won Best Rap Album for Alligator Bites Never Heal. She highlighted the significance of female representation in the rap category, noting the historical context of women winning in this space. Shakira also took home the award for Latin Pop Album, dedicating her win to immigrants, further emphasizing the importance of representation in the music industry.
For more coverage of this year’s Grammy Awards, visit www.apnews.com/GrammyAwards.
