The Most Memorable Moments of the 2025 Grammys
This year’s Grammy Awards, marking their 67th edition, will be held at Crypto.com Arena on February 2nd (Sunday). Trevor Noah, who has become a seasoned host for this event, is set to host it for the fifth year in a row. Despite the Grammy Awards being familiar with Los Angeles, this time it’s occurring amidst a shift in surroundings. This change is due to the city experiencing two of its costliest and most devastating wildfires ever in January, which collectively burned through approximately 37,469 acres in Altadena and the Pacific Palisades.
Unfortunately, despite the hardships, the show persists with a softer tone; many events typically scheduled during the week preceding the Sunday night performance have been called off because of the environmental catastrophe and ongoing rebuilding process. These include events organized by Universal Music Group, Sony, Spotify, BMG, and Warner Music Group, all of which are contributing to aid efforts in the affected areas. In response, The Recording Academy (responsible for the Grammys since 1959) has joined forces with its MusiCares charity to initiate the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort, pledging a $1 million donation.
2025’s Grammy Awards are shaping up to be a blend of tradition and modernity, with a rich dose of historical significance. For the first time in nearly two decades since 1997, The Beatles have received new Grammy nominations (for Record of the Year and Best Rock Performance). Beyoncé has already made history by becoming the first Black woman to be awarded in a country category since the Pointer Sisters in 1974. Moreover, the late former president Jimmy Carter, who was nominated for his audiobook “Last Sundays In Plains: A Centennial Celebration” at the age of 100, now holds the record as the oldest award nominee and winner in Grammy history.
Most Tone-Setting Tribute: “I Love L.A.”
The Sunday night performance began by honoring Los Angeles, a theme that persisted throughout the event. The “I Love L.A.” segment was a heartfelt homage to the city’s charm, marred as it is by recent natural disasters. Noah kicked off the show with a shout-out to Chappell Roan’s tribute to the city’s nightlife, while the musical duo Billie Eilish and Finneas transformed their Los Angeles bedroom into a successful recording studio. John Legend, Sheryl Crowe, St. Vincent, Brittany Howard, Brad Paisley, and Dawes also took the stage. Unfortunately, Dawes had suffered losses due to the fire: their studio, equipment, and one of their members’ homes were all damaged. They joined together to perform Randy Newman’s 1983 song about the city, accompanied by footage honoring L.A.’s brave firefighters.
During the broadcast, support for the city didn’t just end at the conclusion of the program. Throughout the evening, Noah frequently mentioned the wildfires and encouraged donations, with significant contributions from large corporations pouring in as the show progressed. Moreover, the show offered free advertising time to small, affected Los Angeles businesses, such as Orla Floral Studio from Altadena, where Doja Cat made a guest appearance, and Rhythms of the Village, also located in Altadena, which Anderson Paak visited.
Beyond wrapping up the show, backing for the city persisted throughout the night. Noah consistently brought attention to the wildfires and solicited donations, with substantial contributions from prominent companies coming in during the broadcast. In addition, the program provided complimentary commercial airtime to impacted small businesses in Los Angeles, including Orla Floral Studio from Altadena (with a cameo by Doja Cat) and Rhythms of the Village, also situated in Altadena, which Anderson Paak visited.
Best Cinderella Story: Doechii
Tonight, Doechii became one of only three female rappers to receive the Best Rap Album award, following in the footsteps of Lauryn Hill and Cardi B who presented the honor. The 26-year-old artist from Tampa, Florida, known for her witty irony and bold storytelling, has made an impressive debut on T.D.E.’s distinguished roster with popular tracks such as “What It is (Block Boy)”, “Persuasive”, and “Denial is a River”. As she accepted the award, accompanied by her mother onstage, Doechii expressed gratitude to God and shared encouragement for aspiring Black women: “God promised me that I would be recognized and he’d show me great success.” She continued, acknowledging the audience watching her, “I want to say you can do it…don’t let anyone impose stereotypes on you…I am living proof.” Later in the evening, Doechii delivered a spirited, free-flowing performance of “Denial is a River”, her hit single from the project she was honored for.
Most Historic: Beyoncé’s Country Grammy Haul
In a heartfelt and surprised manner, Beyoncé gratefully accepted the honor for “Best Country Album,” which Taylor Swift handed out, having won this category 15 years prior. This award followed their win earlier in the day for “II MOST WANTED” with Miley Cyrus, marking the first time in half a century that a Black woman claimed a Grammy in country music. The song, Cowboy Carter, served as a salute to country music and a tribute, more precisely, to the Black American musicians who shaped and progressed the genre, often without recognition from the industry or fans. Addressing the issue of genre limitations, Beyoncé expressed, “Sometimes genre is used as a barrier to keep us in our place as artists, and I encourage everyone to pursue what they’re passionate about and to stay persistent.” She then thanked God, her family, her supporters, and the country musicians who welcomed her into their realm.
Most Literal Performance: “Pink Pony Club”
Olivia Rodrigo’s favorite pop starlet, Chappell Roan, showcased her energetic rendition of “Pink Pony Club.” The captivating spectacle featured a towering pink pony on stage, surrounded by billowing pink steam and a neon “Pink Pony Club” sign. To add to the ambiance, another sign flashed “My Drink is Karma,” subtly referencing her song “My Kink is Karma.” Roan delivered her performance with exuberance, her style channeling the night’s makeup theme. The supporting dancers, dressed as rodeo clowns, added a vibrant touch to the act, culminating in an intense guitar solo and a beaming, self-assured smile from Roan at the end.
Shortest and Sweetest: Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter kicked off a blend of “Espresso” and “Please Please Please” with a jazzy take on the popular song, referenced in a lively Dunkin Donuts commercial promoting their specialty latte featuring Carpenter. On stage, she donned a glittery tuxedo dress before removing it to reveal a bedazzled baby blue bodice as part of her humorous act involving intentional errors. For the evening, she received the “Best Pop Vocal” award for “Short n Sweet” presented by Anthony Kiedis and Chad Smith from L.A.’s Red Hot Chili Peppers, marking her first Grammy win. She expressed gratitude to her fans, the Recording Academy, and her mom for taking her to every vocal lesson. In an innocent moment, she pondered if it was acceptable that she mentioned “hell” three times during her acceptance speech.
Read More
- Cookie Run: Kingdom Candy Apple Cookie Guide: How to unlock, Best Toppings, and more
- Karla Sofia Gascon Makes Oscar History as First Trans Actress Nominee!
- Will.I.Am and D-Nice Unite for Epic Virtual Concert to Aid LA Fire Victims!
- Pamela Anderson Stuns in High Fashion With Anna Wintour After Vogue Snub Admission!
- Can You Recognize This Quiz Show Host and Former Child Star Enjoying Life in LA?
- Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen’s Crisis: Surviving Bear Grylls’ Deadly Jungle Game!
- Iron & Chains: Leaked details of the next LoL show after Arcane
- Tom and Giovanna Fletcher’s Son Buzz Lands Major West End Role at Just 10!
- When does Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth launch on PC? Release date, time, and more
- Netflix Documentary Reveals How The Jerry Springer Show Became Known for Explosive Fights
2025-02-03 06:06