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Grammys 2025: The Standout, Disappointing and Bewildering Moments
The 2025 Grammy Awards proceeded despite the recent Los Angeles fires that disrupted countless lives. The Recording Academy managed to strike a balance between acknowledging the disaster and celebrating musical achievements.
Beyoncé claimed significant wins alongside Kendrick Lamar, establishing them as the night’s champions. Chappell Roan delivered an extraordinary performance that captivated the audience, whilst Sabrina Carpenter dazzled with her stage presence. Her creative use of jewellery particularly caught attention.
The ceremony included a fitting tribute with “I Love L.A.” that set the perfect tone for the evening. Meanwhile, Doechii provided the night’s unexpected Cinderella story, winning hearts across the audience.
Not every moment shone brightly, however. Several awkward presentations and technical difficulties created uncomfortable viewing. Certain acceptance speeches dragged unnecessarily, whilst one particular musical collaboration seemed fundamentally mismatched.
The ceremony also featured Charli XCX’s onstage quasi-rave that left audiences both entertained and slightly confused.
Beyoncé’s Long-Awaited Grammy Triumph
After fifteen years and multiple nominations, Beyoncé has finally claimed the prestigious Album of the Year award at the 2025 Grammy Awards for her country album Cowboy Carter. The superstar appeared genuinely shocked when accepting the honour, her expression revealing years of anticipation finally fulfilled.
“I just feel very full and very honoured,” Beyoncé remarked at the podium, accompanied by her daughter Blue Ivy Carter. “It’s been many years,” she added with a laugh that suggested she had perhaps given up hope of ever receiving this recognition.
The victory comes after previous nominations for acclaimed albums including I Am… Sasha Fierce, Beyoncé, Lemonade and Renaissance – all works many critics believed were worthy of the top prize. Her win marked a historic moment in her extraordinary career.
In a touching tribute, Beyoncé dedicated her award to country music pioneer Linda Martell, expressing hope for continued progress and inclusivity in the industry.
Sabrina Shines with Old Hollywood Glamour
Sabrina Carpenter delivered a dazzling performance at the 2025 Grammys with her charming medley that paid homage to classic Hollywood. Her clever staging incorporated intentional “mishaps” reminiscent of Billy Wilder comedies, creating memorable moments throughout her routine.
The performance began with Carpenter descending a magnificent staircase whilst performing a jazzy rendition of “Espresso,” playfully struggling with a spotlight that wouldn’t quite follow her. She purposefully dropped her cane and repeated lyrics as though mistakes had occurred during costume changes. Her backup performers joined the fun, harmonising with the cheeky line about someone facing termination.
The stylistic nods to icons like Marilyn Monroe and Goldie Hawn were unmistakable as Carpenter gracefully transitioned between “Espresso” and “Please Please Please” with theatrical flair. Her Grammy performance showcased not only her musical talent but also her comedic timing.
True to her artistic vision, Carpenter maintained the authenticity of her lyrics during the broadcast, though television censors ensured Australian viewers at home missed some of the more colourful language. The entire spectacle brilliantly highlighted why Carpenter has become such a beloved performer between her commercial appearances and musical success.
Doechii Captivates the Grammy Audience with Historic Win
At the 67th Grammy Awards, Doechii made an unforgettable impact as she claimed the Best Rap Album award for “Alligator Bites Never Heal,” prevailing over several established artists with lengthy careers. Her emotional acceptance brought the audience to their feet and marked a significant milestone in Grammy history.
When Cardi B opened the envelope and announced Doechii as the winner, her face lit up with genuine surprise and delight. Doechii approached the stage with tears streaming down her face, acknowledging the historical significance of her achievement. She noted that since the category’s introduction in 1989, she had become only the third woman to receive this honour, following in Cardi B’s footsteps who previously won for “Invasion of Privacy.”
During her heartfelt speech, Doechii shared her personal journey, revealing that sobriety played a crucial role in creating her award-winning album. “I dedicated myself to sobriety,” she explained, adding that her faith guided her through the process.
What truly resonated with the audience was her powerful message to Black women. “You can do it,” she affirmed, encouraging them not to internalise negative stereotypes about being “too dark,” “too dramatic” or “too loud.” Her words visibly moved numerous attendees, including respected television personality Gayle King, culminating in a standing ovation from the entire audience.
Doechii’s dramatic performances of “Catfish” and “Denial Is a River” further cemented her status as a breakout star. Dressed in head-to-toe Thom Browne, she delivered eccentric choreography that captivated fellow artists including Billie Eilish, SZA and Jay-Z.
While she appeared as part of a showcase featuring other Best New Artist nominees, Doechii’s segment clearly stood out from the rest. She proudly represented her hometown of Tampa and acknowledged her mother who stood beside her during this monumental achievement, adding a touching personal dimension to her triumphant evening.
Best: Dawes’ Tribute to Los Angeles
The 2025 Grammy Awards opened with a heartfelt rendition of “I Love L.A.” by folk-rock band Dawes. Brothers Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith, who both lost their homes in the Altadena bushfires, delivered a moving performance that struck just the right chord. The band thoughtfully modified Randy Newman’s 1983 classic to acknowledge the city’s recovery efforts.
The Goldsmith brothers were joined by an impressive lineup of musical talent including John Legend, Sheryl Crow, Brittany Howard, Brad Paisley and St. Vincent. Together they transformed what could have been a tone-deaf selection into a rousing tribute to a city healing from devastating fires.
Where Newman’s original lyrics contained cynical observations about “a bum down on his knees,” the revised version celebrated Los Angeles “getting up on its feet.” The performers also replaced lines about attractive women with praise for the firefighters, declaring “ain’t nothing like them nowhere.”
The performance balanced sincerity with charm, setting an uplifting tone for the entire awards ceremony. While some might call it earnest or even slightly daggy, this wholesome opening number provided exactly the emotional boost the occasion required.
Trevor Noah’s Tasteless Comedy Stumble
Trevor Noah faced significant criticism during his Grammys 2025 hosting duties when he delivered a particularly nasty joke about Colombia while introducing Shakira. The comedian referred to the three-time Grammy winner as “the greatest thing out of Colombia that isn’t a felony,” drawing uncomfortable silence from parts of the audience.
The attempt at humour fell flat not only because it recycled tired stereotypes, but also because it arrived during a politically sensitive time. Many viewers noted Noah missed an opportunity to craft more clever material about current events, especially since he successfully tackled political topics elsewhere in his monologue.
Critics pointed out that such jokes are particularly harmful when Latino communities face increasing challenges. Noah’s misstep became one of the more disappointing moments in an otherwise polished presentation, demonstrating how even established comedians can seriously misread the room.
K-Dot’s Grammy Glory
Kendrick Lamar dominated the 2025 Grammy Awards with an unprecedented clean sweep. His track “Not Like Us” claimed victory in all five nominated categories, securing Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, Best Music Video, Song of the Year, and Record of the Year trophies.
The song emerged from one of music’s most talked-about rivalries of 2024, where Lamar unleashed a series of scathing musical critiques aimed at Drake. The resulting track not only topped charts but also garnered widespread critical acclaim, despite attracting legal challenges.
During his final acceptance speech of the evening, Lamar delivered a powerful statement about the importance of his craft: “There is nothing more powerful than rap music. I just hope you respect the artform.”
The Recording Academy’s enthusiastic embrace of “Not Like Us” demonstrated the significant cultural impact of Lamar’s work, cementing his position as one of hip-hop’s most influential and decorated artists in the Australian and global music landscapes.
Best: Chappell Roan’s Triumphant Pride Celebration
Chappell Roan delivered an extraordinary performance of “Pink Pony Club” at the 2025 Grammy Awards that transcended a typical musical number. After winning Best New Artist, Roan transformed the stage into a vibrant celebration of queer culture.
The performance featured Roan astride a colourful pony prop, surrounded by numerous cheerful rodeo clowns who created a joyful rather than frightening atmosphere. Her West Hollywood tribute resonated deeply as she crawled towards her guitarist in a deliberate homage to David Bowie’s famous interaction with Mick Ronson.
Most notably, the colourful production concluded with dancers waving flags displaying pink, white and blue—the colours of transgender pride. This bold statement brought important visibility to the trans community on one of music’s biggest nights.
Introduced by fellow artist Olivia Rodrigo, Roan’s performance quickly became one of the most memorable moments of the ceremony. The performance exemplified how artistic expression can beautifully intertwine with meaningful advocacy, proving why Roan has become such a significant voice in contemporary music.
Billie’s Heartfelt Altadena Tribute
Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas delivered a remarkable performance at the 2025 Grammy Awards, giving new life to their popular track “Birds of a Feather”. The siblings created a visual masterpiece that honoured their childhood home in Los Angeles.
The performance featured stunning visuals of the San Gabriel Mountains and Eaton Canyon, areas where they grew up exploring nature. Childhood photographs of the duo appeared throughout the set, showing them hiking and playing with their dogs in these beloved landscapes.
Dressed in a sharp denim Dodgers cap, Billie concluded with a tender “I love you L.A.” message. This performance highlighted the born-and-raised Angeleno’s connection to her hometown, creating one of the most memorable moments of the evening.
Best: Bruno and Gaga’s California Dream
At the 2025 GRAMMYs, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars delivered a stunning performance that moved the audience. Rather than performing their popular track from their recent collaboration, the duo chose the timeless Mamas and Papas’ classic.
Their rendition served as a beautiful tribute to Los Angeles amidst the city’s devastating wildfires. Gaga, dressed in a delicate white floral ensemble, powerfully delivered iconic verses while trading lines with Mars.
The performance reminded viewers that this beloved tune, now celebrating its 60th anniversary, remains remarkably relevant. Their harmonious collaboration brought a sense of hope and solidarity to a region facing significant challenges, making it one of the evening’s most memorable moments in the awards programme.
Remembering the Overlooked: Grammy Memorial Misses Key Musical Figures
The 2025 Grammy ceremony deserves recognition for honouring many music legends who departed in the previous year. Tributes to influential artists like Kris Kristofferson, Cissy Houston and Phil Lesh were thoughtfully included. However, the memorial segment notably excluded numerous significant contributors across diverse musical genres.
Power pop lost Greg Kihn whilst hip-hop mourned Ka and OG Maco without Grammy acknowledgement. The indie rock community felt the absence of tribute to the Replacements’ Slim Dunlap and the Chills’ Martin Phillipps. Pioneering classic rock figures like Iron Butterfly’s Doug Ingle and Moby Grape’s Jerry Miller were similarly overlooked.
The memorial gaps extended across numerous genres. Folk music lost Happy Traum and Spider John Koerner. The world of Indian classical music said goodbye to Zakir Hussain. Singer-songwriters Dave Loggins and Libby Titus departed without recognition. Doo-wop’s Maurice Williams of the Zodiacs, alt-rock’s Karl Wallinger from World Party, and metal’s Jack Russell from Great White were also absent from the tribute.
Production maestro Shel Talmy, blues musician Nick Gravenites from the Electric Flag, and King Crimson lyricist Pete Sinfield represented additional significant omissions. These talented individuals made lasting contributions to musical heritage and deserved remembrance at music’s premier celebration.
Beyoncé’s Country Music Triumph
The 2025 Grammy Awards showcased a significant moment when Beyoncé claimed the Best Country Album trophy for her groundbreaking work “Cowboy Carter.” This victory carried special weight after the Country Music Association Awards completely overlooked her for nominations last November.
When accepting the award, Beyoncé appeared genuinely surprised. She spoke passionately about artistic persistence and challenged genre limitations. “Genre is sometimes used as a code word to keep artists confined,” she remarked, encouraging creators to follow their genuine passions regardless of conventional boundaries.
Adding to the memorable moment, Taylor Swift—who herself has moved between pop and country throughout her career—presented the award. This symbolic handover between two powerful female artists made the achievement even more significant.
The win represented more than just another trophy for Beyoncé’s collection. It marked an important statement about artistic freedom and breaking through established industry barriers. Her later Album of the Year victory would dominate headlines, but this country music recognition established an important precedent for artists crossing genre lines.
Where Did Our Bass Legend Go?
The 2025 Grammys had some noticeable absences that left Aussie viewers scratching their heads. Among them was the curious case of the missing bass virtuoso from the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
While Anthony Kiedis and Chad Smith made appearances at the Crypto.com Arena, fans were left wondering about their famously energetic bassist. This Melbourne-born music icon has been as much a part of Los Angeles culture as its famous landmarks for more than 40 years.
Just days before the ceremony, he was spotted jamming with Stevie Wonder at the FireAid benefit in Inglewood. The venue was barely a 30-minute drive from the Grammy location (even with typical LA traffic that would make Sydney’s peak hour look tame).
His absence was particularly puzzling given his reputation for appearing at numerous awards shows and collaborative performances over the years. Music enthusiasts from Perth to Brisbane noted the gap in the Chili Peppers lineup, with many taking to social media to express their disappointment.
The talented guitarist was also nowhere to be seen, adding to the mystery of the incomplete band appearance at music’s biggest night.
Best: Raye’s Academy-Quality Performance
Raye delivered what many consider the finest moment of the night with her breathtaking performance of “Oscar Winning Tears.” Though she didn’t take home the Best New Artist trophy, her powerful showcase demonstrated why she’s become such a standout performer in 2025.
Draped in a dazzling sequined gown and backed by a magnificent orchestral ensemble reminiscent of classic Bond themes, Raye poured genuine emotion into every note. The British singer commanded the Grammy stage with remarkable presence, particularly during the song’s climactic moments.
Her extraordinary vocal control shone brightest when elongating the phrase “thoooose Oscar-winning tears” with such artistry that the audience sat spellbound. The performance demonstrated her exceptional talent for infusing seemingly simple words with profound musicality and meaning.
This memorable showcase firmly established Raye as one of music’s most compelling new vocalists, regardless of who took home the actual award.
WTF: The Weeknd’s Baffling Grammy Return
The Weeknd made waves with his unexpected appearance at the 2025 Grammys, ending his three-year boycott of the ceremony. His performance of “Cry for Me” and “Timeless” provided the Recording Academy a chance to show progress on their diversity commitments after the artist’s famous snub in 2021 when his widely successful work was overlooked.
Despite good intentions, the execution fell flat. While the rest of the show maintained an uplifting atmosphere—particularly during fire relief fundraising segments—The Weeknd’s performance struck a discordant note with its sombre mood. The stage featured harsh strobe lighting and dancers in red bodysuits moving erratically, creating a jarring contrast to the evening’s established tone.
Playboi Carti’s guest appearance seemed particularly misplaced within the overall flow of the event. Though the performance likely served as effective promotion for The Weeknd’s upcoming album Hurry Up Tomorrow, many viewers found themselves confused by the stark tonal shift it introduced to the ceremony.
The concept showed promise but ultimately delivered a bewildering spectacle that left Australian viewers checking their watches at approximately 1:30 pm AEST during the broadcast.
The Magnificent Diana Ross Takes Centre Stage
A genuine music legend graced the 2025 Grammy Awards when Diana Ross made a surprise appearance to present the Song of the Year award. Looking absolutely stunning just weeks before her 81st birthday, Ross received a well-deserved standing ovation from the appreciative crowd.
Her presence carried special significance, marking six decades since the Supremes lost the Best R\&B Performance to Nancy Wilson back in 1965. Despite her towering influence on music, Ross remarkably didn’t receive a Grammy until 2012 when she was given a Lifetime Achievement Award.
The evening featured another Motown great when Stevie Wonder paid tribute to Quincy Jones earlier in the broadcast. These appearances by two living Motown icons created a special moment for music history enthusiasts.
The Grammy organisers have worked to acknowledge past oversights regarding influential artists who shaped modern music. Giving Ross this prominent role represented an important step towards properly honouring music’s pioneers while they can still be celebrated.
Perhaps next year’s ceremony could feature Martha Reeves, Otis Williams and Smokey Robinson for a complete Motown reunion, celebrating an era that transformed music worldwide.
Not Lainey Wilson’s Finest Hour
The Grammy tribute to Quincy Jones showcased several performers, but unfortunately, Lainey Wilson faced a challenging slot following Cynthia Erivo’s remarkable performance. The country artist from Louisiana struggled to make her mark with “Let the Good Times Roll” despite her recognised vocal talents.
Wilson’s performance stood out for the wrong reasons. Her stereotypical country attire, featuring the trademark cowboy hat and fringed leather trousers, seemed to lean heavily into expected country music aesthetics. Her pronounced Southern accent occasionally overwhelmed the lyrics themselves, making them difficult to discern.
The choreography appeared clumsy and unrefined, lacking the polish expected at such a prestigious event. While she managed to deliver an impressive final note that displayed her genuine vocal abilities, the overall performance felt awkward and forced.
Despite country music enjoying a resurgence in popularity across global markets including Australia, Wilson’s approach felt heavy-handed rather than authentic. Her Grammy-winning credentials weren’t adequately showcased during this particular performance.
Charli XCX’s Brat Energy Dominates the Stage
Charli XCX transformed the Grammy ceremony into a proper club night with her electrifying performance. Fresh from collecting two prestigious awards—Best Dance Pop Recording and Best Dance/Electronic Album—the British pop innovator delivered a memorable show that stands as one of the evening’s highlights.
The performance began in what looked like a carpark basement, creating an underground vibe for “Von Dutch” before she moved to the main stage. There, surrounded by an entourage of fashionable mates including Julia Fox and model Alex Consani, Charli launched into “Guess” with unbridled enthusiasm.
The stage quickly resembled a trendy warehouse party, complete with minimalist costumes and maximum energy. Even Taylor Swift couldn’t resist joining the celebration, dancing with champagne in hand. The moment captured exactly why Charli’s Brat album has become such a cultural phenomenon.
Any proper music fan would appreciate how Charli brought authentic dance culture to mainstream television, proving why she’s considered one of the most exciting artists in contemporary pop music.
Lack of Political Commentary at the Grammys
The 2025 Grammys showed a surprising restraint in political messaging despite recent tumultuous events affecting the nation. While a handful of artists made brief statements, the overall ceremony featured remarkably few political comments considering the current climate.
Several artists did speak up. Shakira expressed support for immigrants, whilst Alicia Keys delivered meaningful remarks about diversity, noting that “DEI is not a threat, it’s a gift.” Lady Gaga advocated for trans rights, and Stevie Wonder emphasised the importance of cultural celebration.
However, these moments stood as exceptions rather than the rule. The ceremony proceeded with minimal commentary on pressing issues like challenges to legal institutions, immigration policies, transgender rights and other significant matters affecting many communities.
This reserved approach seemed particularly noteworthy given the timing of the awards. Questions remain about whether next year’s ceremony might feature more outspoken participants, though concerns about potential arts funding reductions could affect the 2026 Grammys format and content altogether.
Shock: Swift and Eilish Leave Grammy Night Empty-Handed
In a surprising turn at the 2025 Grammy Awards, music powerhouses Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish failed to secure any wins despite their numerous nominations. Swift received six nominations while Eilish garnered seven across major categories including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year. This marks the first time in three years that both artists have been completely shut out of the awards.
The Australian music community watched with interest as these traditionally favoured artists were passed over. Many local music critics noted that this outcome potentially signals a changing direction for the Recording Academy and its voting members.
Swift’s reactions to losing became a talking point, with her expressions captured throughout the ceremony as each category was announced.
Further Developments
The upset has created significant conversation in Australian music circles, with local artists and industry professionals wondering if similar shifts might occur at the ARIA Awards. The Australian recording industry has often followed Grammy trends, though typically with its own unique flair. The AU$20,000 cash prize that accompanies ARIA’s Album of the Year makes such recognition particularly valuable for Australian artists.
