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Here’s What You Missed at the 2025 Grammys!

Every year, the Grammys give us reasons to celebrate and debate – and the 2025 Grammys was no different in this aspect. This year’s ceremony had all the music lovers talking, from groundbreaking wins to shocking snubs. 

What was a little different about this year’s Grammys was the Recording Academy’s initiative to raise funds for wildfire relief efforts and aid music professionals affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. The show had to go on, but not without tributes to L.A. (home to the Grammy Awards ceremony) and the firefighters on the frontlines.

So, let’s get into the rest of the show. If you’ve been eager for a rundown of the night’s highlights (and some piping-hot tea), you’re in the right place. Here’s a recap of the wins, surprises, and everything in between. 

Big Winners

Of course, I must start with the night’s biggest awards! The General Field is where the lines between genres blur, so let’s dive into the winners who made Grammy history this year.

Record Of The Year – Not Like Us by Kendrick Lamar 

Not to brag or anything… but I called it. This diss track was indeed a well-deserved win. To think Not Like Us only exists because of Kendrick Lamar and Drake’s beef! And with Kendrick snagging five Grammys this year, we have more than enough proof that he’s on a different level. And I needed this reminder, not gonna lie. Because – and I say this with love – I thought his peak was DNA. in 2017. I stand corrected!

What really made me chuckle was seeing how Kendrick pulled up in a denim-on-denim ensemble – AKA the “Canadian Tuxedo.” Coincidence? I think not! Almost everyone clocked it as a shot at Mr. Toronto himself, Drake. If there’s one thing to take from this saga, never underestimate Kendrick Lamar. He’s always five steps ahead.

Album Of The Year – COWBOY CARTER by Beyoncé

Full disclosure – I wasn’t exactly rooting for Cowboy Carter. Maybe the country genre just isn’t my thing, maybe I got a bit too sick of Texas Hold ‘Em playing everywhere, or maybe I just really, really wanted Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft to take the crown. 

But even if Beyoncé’s album wasn’t my pick, I can’t deny the significance of this win. She’s never taken home Album of the Year before (which is kind of wild considering her impact), and Cowboy Carter was a challenge to the industry and a statement on Black artistry in country music.

Beyoncé explored the country scene’s African-American roots and how Black cowboys shaped the culture, using this album to bring attention to overlooked Black country artists—especially because the genre historically had a bit of a gatekeeping problem. When Black artists made country music, it would get shuffled into R&B, pop – any genre but country. 

That said, I do get why my fellow Billie fans are upset. Hit Me Hard and Soft was an incredible piece of art, and it’s frustrating that she walked away with nothing. But some of the nastiness I’ve seen online is completely unnecessary. 

Two things can be true at once: Billie was robbed, and Beyoncé did work hard for this win. It doesn’t have to be one or the other. So, while this might not have been my ideal outcome, I do respect the teachings (that I never would have learnt otherwise) behind Cowboy Carter.

Song Of The Year – Not Like Us by Kendrick Lamar 

Okay, again, Not Like Us is a solid song, but I was expecting Birds of a Feather by Billie Eilish to take this one – and not just ‘cause I’m biased, I promise! Come on, that song was everywhere; you know it too. And as the ceremony was winding down, Kendrick had bagged enough wins to prove a point, so I was hoping this could have been Billie Eilish’s moment. 

I don’t mean to take the spotlight away from Kendrick’s achievement, but I feel like this was the perfect chance for Billie to shine. Nonetheless, I respect his game – this win only fueled his finesse!

Best New Artist – Chappell Roan

Now, this was a moment. Look, I know Chappell Roan became a bit of a divisive figure soon after she catapulted to fame. Some love her, some can’t stand her (I’ve definitely raised my eyebrows a couple of times), but if there’s one thing we can all agree on, she’s got the it factor. Her music slaps and the way she presents herself is out of this world. 

She’s been grinding for years to reach this point, and as someone new to such stardom, setting her trophy on the ground to make a stand during her acceptance speech was gutsy. She used her moment to call out the industry’s treatment of artists, demanding fair wages, healthcare, and protection for those trying to make a living off of their craft. 

She opened up about being signed as a teenager only to be discarded by the very system that profits off of artists like her, left with no job experience or health insurance. And just like that, I’m starting to look at her differently.

Speaking of looks, dare I say she had the best red carpet outfit of the night? She looked like a drag fairytale princess! I love me some drama. And I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed her Pink Pony Club performance as well – with a literal pink pony on stage, how could I not? 

Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical – Amy Allen

I’ll be honest. I hadn’t heard of Amy Allen before this win, but after a quick Google search, it makes sense that she snagged this win. She’s contributed to songs like run for the hills by Tate McRae and Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter. Yes, the one and only Espresso! This song has such fun, cheeky lyrics –  you can tell there was a lot of thought poured into the songwriting. 

So, it goes without saying that Amy’s creativity most definitely played a part in Espresso becoming one of the most recognisable songs of 2024. Good for her!

Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical – Daniel Nigro

Daniel Nigro was another name that wasn’t on my radar, but once I found out he’s behind some of 2024’s most famous songs, it all clicked. He’s the genius behind Olivia Rodrigo’s so american and Chappell Roan’s Good Luck, Babe! – two songs that ruled last year. So it’s no surprise he took home this award; the man’s got the magic touch!

Other Notable Highlights

Here are some other winners who I think are worth mentioning. Believe me, these are just a few awards that stood out to me – otherwise, we’d be here for days!

Best Rap Album – Alligator Bites Never Heal by Doechii

This win for Alligator Bites Never Heal should not be taken lightly – Doechii is only the third female artist to take home the Best Rap Album award, making this another milestone for women in the rap scene. 

I’ll admit, I’ve barely dipped my toes into the rap genre, but even I couldn’t escape her music last year. DENIAL IS A RIVER is still all over social media – and I’m not complaining! Some artists have that magnetic quality, and Doechii is one of them. 

If anyone deserves a Grammy, it’s Doechii. She’s been making music for years, but her journey wasn’t easy – far from it, in fact. Can you believe she was only signed last year? Before her big break, she funded her own projects and handled everything by herself, all while holding onto the dream of making it in music. 

I can’t wait to see where she goes next. Because if she keeps this momentum, I might just have to call myself a fan!

Best Pop Vocal Album – Short n’ Sweet by Sabrina Carpenter

Ah, what a satisfying win. Whether you’re an avid pop listener or not, you have to give Sabrina Carpenter props; she was 2024’s pop princess. Short n’ Sweet truly did her vocal range and performance capabilities justice.

I mean, have you seen her tour videos? They’ve been going viral left and right. Sabrina’s live singing is something else; her consistent energy at each show is infectious! Whether it’s unwrapping a towel to reveal her outfit for the day or breaking into choreographies with her dancers, her concerts are an experience fans look forward to, online and in-person.

Before last year, one of the biggest things Sabrina was known for was, unfortunately, her rumoured feud with Olivia Rodrigo over Joshua Bassett. Both of them dropped tracks thought to be aimed at each other, and the drama only got worse – you just had to be there.

But guess what? A super blurry TikTok of them seemingly hugging it out in the background has been making the rounds. Let’s not forget that Olivia Rodrigo also won Best Pop Vocal Album for Sour back in 2022, making this such a full-circle moment! A collab between these two would break the Internet, and I need to see (and hear) it.

Best Dance/Electronic Album – BRAT by Charli XCX

Yes, yes, yes! Finally, some love for Charli XCX! Do I think she deserved to win a category in the General Field? Yes. But I’ll take this victory. A decade after her first two Grammy noms for her feature on Iggy Azalea’s Fancy – a nostalgic song that still has me in a chokehold – BRAT is simply bigger and better.

The impact of this album was almost unbelievable last year – “BRAT Summer” was a cultural movement, to say the least! The aesthetic; the attitude; the way lime green is no longer just a colour but a state of mind; all of it. I swear, the second I see any light shade of green, my brain starts playing Apple or Guess.

BRAT winning Best Dance/Electronic Album – and Best Recording Package, since we’re on the topic – is so fitting, because how could anyone sit still listening to this album? She brought so much energy to the Grammys, dancing with a crowd on stage like it was an underground rave! 

With that, I think it’s safe to say that BRAT is on the road to cult classic status. I’m placing my bets on it.

Best Spoken Word Poetry Album – The Heart, The Mind, The Soul by Tank and The Bangas

Have you ever even heard of this category? Because two days ago, I hadn’t! It tickled me at first glance, and I just had to include it. But after actually giving The Heart, The Mind, The Soul a listen, I have to say, I underestimated Tank and The Bangas!

The whole album is a vibe. The elevator-y background instrumentals are so smooth, and the spoken-word sections sound unexpectedly dream-like against them. And if I had to describe Tank’s voice in one word? Honey. 

This is the kind of album I’d imagine listening to in a dimly lit bar, with good company and great conversations. Consider me pleasantly surprised! Thanks to the Grammys, I’ve found myself a new artist to add to my playlist.

What an Eventful Run!

All in all, I know there are many mixed opinions on the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, and some categories are still touchy subjects. But this is nothing new, I feel. How the Grammys really choose their winners has always been a topic of conversation, with artists speaking out or simply opting out altogether. Take Ariana Grande, for example.

She’s skipped the ceremony for the fifth year in a row despite being nominated thrice this year. And while she hasn’t made a statement about it, speculation has been rife about her snubs in major categories, apart from her current focus on acting. So, I do wonder if artists are starting to distance themselves from the Grammys.

And forgive me if I sound like a broken record, but I still can’t wrap my head around Billie Eilish not winning a single award this year. Watching her smile fade as the night went on after each loss made me so sad for her. This is someone who delivered a thought-provoking, sonically beautiful album, and yet… nothing. 

Anyhoo, on a lighter note, another moment nobody saw coming was The Weeknd’s surprise performance, years after boycotting the Grammys. In 2021, when his album After Hours (including record-breaking song Blinding Lights) was completely shut out from the nominations, he accused the Recording Academy of corruption and called for transparency.

@billboard

@The Weeknd teams up with @playboicarti for a surprise performance of “Timeless” at the #Grammys 🎤 #livemusic #concert #grammyawards #awardsshow

♬ original sound – billboard

But despite his previous allegations, The Weeknd returned to the Grammys this year, performing songs from his Hurry Up Tomorrow, his newest album. Does this mean the Recording Academy has changed anything?

According to the Recording Academy’s CEO, Harvey Mason Jr., they’re making strides, bringing in 3,000+ new voting members and focusing on diversity. Sure, that sounds promising, but it all just reminds me that as a spectator, I’ll never truly know what happens behind closed doors. 

What I do know is that music is constantly evolving. Trends shift, audiences grow and change, and new voices enter the scene. My question is, can the music industry keep up? Because at the end of the day, it’s about how music impacts us and shapes culture – not which artists have the most profitable brands.

I guess we’ll have to wait and see.


What are your thoughts on the 2025 Grammys? Let us know on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.


Cover Photo Courtesy of Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for The Recording Academy.

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