Best and Worst Moments From the 2025 Grammys

 Doechii and Chappell Roan delivered powerful performances and emotional speeches, while fresh talent captivated the audience, and men took a backseat at the 67th annual awards.

Doechii brought theatrics and multiple wardrobe changes to her Grammy showcase as a best new artist nominee.Credit...Kevin Winter

Feb. 3, 2025Updated 9:57 a.m. ET

At the 67th annual Grammys, Kendrick Lamar emerged as the night's big winner, claiming five trophies, including top honors for "Not Like Us," his diss track aimed at Drake. However, the night’s most talked-about moment came when Beyoncé, after four previous losses in the Album of the Year category, triumphed with her genre-defying album Cowboy Carter. This win made her the first Black woman in this century and the fourth in Grammy history to win the prestigious award. Other highlights included Chappell Roan’s win for Best New Artist, where she used her acceptance speech to advocate for artists’ rights. The ceremony also made efforts to support those affected by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles, using the show as a platform for charitable donations.

The 2025 Grammys saw standout performances, including Charli XCX’s energetic, quasi-rave finale and Sabrina Carpenter’s retro-inspired performance of “Espresso” and “Please, Please, Please,” which won praise for its playful nod to vintage entertainment. Best New Artist nominees received more time in the spotlight than usual, with performances from Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter standing out. Other memorable moments included Benson Boone’s acrobatics and Raye’s emotional rendition of “Oscar Winning Tears.”

Sabrina Carpenter's throwback performance was a delightful mix of classic charm and modern pop, while Cardi B captivated with her infectious charisma as she presented the Best Rap Album award.

Quincy Jones, honored with a tribute showcasing his monumental career, was celebrated with jazz-rooted performances, including duets with Herbie Hancock and Stevie Wonder. The tribute was a rich tapestry of musical history, though some parts felt overdone.

Beyoncé’s win for Best Country Album, while a historic moment, felt a bit anticlimactic, given the behind-the-scenes choreography that detracted from the moment’s spontaneity. Still, it was a breakthrough for the artist, marking her as one of the evening’s true victors.

Despite the ceremony’s historical focus on women artists—who claimed most of the televised awards—male artists had a quieter presence this year, as young female performers like Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, and Doechii captured attention with their boundary-pushing performances and speeches.

Roan, who stole the spotlight with her impassioned performance of "Pink Pony Club" and her bold acceptance speech demanding better conditions for artists, exemplified the rising tide of female empowerment in the industry. Her speech underscored the struggles of developing artists, calling for better wages and health care from record labels.

The wildfires affecting Los Angeles served as a poignant backdrop for the show, with Kendrick Lamar mentioning devastated neighborhoods in his acceptance speech, and several performances, including a Randy Newman tribute with major stars like Sheryl Crow and St. Vincent, raising awareness for the disaster.

Finally, Lady Gaga’s commercial-filled, over-the-top performance in a Mastercard ad showcased her return to electro-pop but left fans wishing for more authenticity. Still, her larger-than-life presence reminded us why she remains an icon.

Overall, the 2025 Grammys were a night of history-making moments, strong performances, and an underlying push for artists' rights and social responsibility, with women firmly taking center stage.