
The 2025 Grammys were one for the books.
The 2025 Grammy Awards took place on Sunday night, and the event was packed with surprises. From unexpected celebrity appearances to jaw-dropping performances and iconic tributes, the four-hour ceremony delivered countless memorable moments. Let’s take a look at some of the night’s biggest highlights.
Electrifying Live Performances
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsShe understands the art of drama when it comes to composing a record.
— reporting for duty. (@TheGreatIsNate) February 3, 2025
Incredible. We NEED her in pop music! #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/lNeHBNQ142 https://t.co/9zH0YomNVi
The night featured an incredible lineup of performances, each bringing its own unique energy. Billie Eilish delivered a chill, vibey set, while Chappell Roan brought a campy spectacle to the stage. Sabrina Carpenter combined comedy and theatrics in her performance, keeping the audience entertained.
Doechii performed both “CATFISH” and “DENIAL IS A RIVER” from her album Alligator Bites Never Heal before winning Best Rap Album immediately after—a truly unforgettable moment.
Charli XCX delivered a wild performance, and Shakira returned to the Grammy stage for the first time in over a decade. Meanwhile, Benson Boone surprised everyone by pulling a mic from his pocket, tearing off his suit, and doing a flip on stage. Teddy Swims, Raye and Shaboozey also graced the Grammys stage, rounding out a packed night of performances.
Unexpected Guests Stole the Spotlight
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsYou missed him.
— Recording Academy / GRAMMYs (@RecordingAcad) February 3, 2025
We missed him too.
Welcome @TheWeeknd to the 67th #GRAMMYs. pic.twitter.com/N20O3dVaUr
Just when I thought I had seen it all, Kanye West made his first Grammy red carpet appearance in a decade, accompanied by his (nearly nude) wife, Bianca Censori. But the real shocker? Former Grammy boycotter The Weeknd not only attended but also performed!
Abel and Playboi Carti took the stage to perform “Timeless” from his newly released album Hurry Up Tomorrow, which dropped just two days prior.
Legendary icon Diana Ross also made an appearance, presenting the Song of the Year award to a visibly starstruck Kendrick Lamar, who won for his diss track “Not Like Us.”
Emotional Tributes That Touched Hearts
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jswasn’t ready for this liam payne tribute #grammys pic.twitter.com/y9sdQV1m8v
— 2000s (@PopCulture2000s) February 3, 2025
The ceremony opened with a heartfelt tribute to Los Angeles, featuring Dawes, St. Vincent, John Legend, Brad Paisley, Sheryl Crow, and Brittany Howard. Later, Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga delivered a moving performance in honor of the city. Throughout the night, viewers were encouraged to donate via a promo code to support those affected by recent wildfires.
Will Smith introduced an emotional tribute to the late Quincy Jones, which featured Cynthia Erivo performing “Fly Me to the Moon” alongside Herbie Hancock, while Lainey Wilson sang “Let the Good Times Roll.” Stevie Wonder played harmonica to “Bluesette” before leading the crowd in “We Are the World.” Meanwhile, Janelle Monáe, dressed and dancing in true Michael Jackson style, delivered an electrifying performance of “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough.”
One of the most tear-jerking moments of the night was a tribute to artists lost in 2024. Coldplay’s Chris Martin performed as the audience paid their respects to Liam Payne, Tito Jackson, Rich Homie Quan, and others who passed away last year.
Other Key Moments That Defined the Night
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsIt was a moment that has been 25 years in the making! ? Beyoncé reacts to her Album of the Year win at the #GRAMMYs. ? pic.twitter.com/sIU8o6h1D5
— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) February 3, 2025
Beyoncé (finally!) took home Album of the Year for Cowboy Carter, a win that Jay-Z and Taylor Swift happily toasted to. Kendrick Lamar won multiple Grammys for “Not Like Us,” complete with an on-stage “MUSTAAAARD!” moment during his speech. Chappell Roan was named Best New Artist, while Sabrina Carpenter secured Best Pop Vocal Album.
Alicia Keys was honored with the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award, using her speech to deliver a powerful message on diversity. Lady Gaga also took a stand during her Best Song acceptance speech for “Die With a Smile,” offering support to the trans community.
Overall, the 2025 Grammys were fun-filled, exciting, and truly unforgettable. You can find a full list of nominees and winners here.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsThe entire arena of music industry folks rapping “A MINOOOOOOR” while Kendrick wins Record of the Year is such a goated moment ??
— Okayplayer (@okayplayer) February 3, 2025
Someone check on Drake, please. #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/TwHTwC1Wdc