Beyoncé accepts the award for best dance/electronics music album for ‘ Renaissance’ at the 65th annual Grammy Awards on Feb 5, 2023, in LA. (AP Photo)
Beyoncé finally secured the Album of the Year award at the Grammy Awards 2025 on Sunday for her latest album, Cowboy Carter. This long-awaited win marks her first time receiving the show's most prestigious honor, despite being the most decorated and nominated artist in Grammy history.
The victory is groundbreaking. Beyoncé is now the first Black woman in the 21st century to win the category. The last to do so was Lauryn Hill with The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill in 1999—26 years ago. Only three other Black women—Hill, Whitney Houston, and Natalie Cole—have ever won the award.
Los Angeles Fire Department members presented the award, a moment that also acknowledged the city's devastating wildfires. Accepting the honor, Beyoncé expressed gratitude and dedicated the win to Linda Martell, the first Black woman to perform at the Grand Ole Opry.
“It’s been many, many years,” she said. “I want to dedicate this to Ms. Martell.”
Host Trevor Noah emphasized the significance of the moment. “We finally saw it happen, everyone,” he said.
Kendrick Lamar and The Weeknd Shine
Kendrick Lamar also had a major night, taking home Song of the Year and Record of the Year for Not Like Us. The song, a diss track, became only the second hip-hop single to win in these categories, following Childish Gambino’s This Is America. Lamar dedicated the win to Los Angeles, shouting out several local neighborhoods.
Meanwhile, The Weeknd surprised fans with a performance of Cry for Me and Timeless alongside Playboi Carti. His return to the Grammys marks a shift in his relationship with the Recording Academy. He previously criticized the organization for being corrupt after being snubbed in 2020.
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. acknowledged the changes made to ensure diversity in voting, which likely influenced The Weeknd’s decision to perform.
Chappell Roan Calls Out the Music Industry
Chappell Roan took home the Best New Artist award and used her acceptance speech to address major record labels. Reading from a notebook, she called for fair wages and healthcare for developing artists.
She spoke about her personal struggles—getting signed as a minor, being dropped, and facing financial insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Labels, we got you,” she said. “But do you got us?”
A Country Theme at the Grammys
Beyoncé continued breaking barriers by winning Best Country Album, becoming the first Black woman to claim the award. Taylor Swift presented the honor, and Beyoncé used her speech to challenge industry stereotypes.
Taylor Swift, left, presents the award for best country album to Beyoncé for ‘Cowboy Carter’ during the 67th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb 2, 2025, in LA. (AP Photo)
“Genre is a cold word to keep us in our place as artists,” she said. “I’m still in shock. Thank you so much for this honor.”
Chappell Roan also brought country flair to the stage, performing Pink Pony Club with a troupe of cowboy-clad dancers and a giant pink horse.
Honoring Los Angeles and Fire Victims
The show paid tribute to Los Angeles and those affected by the recent wildfires. Noah opened the ceremony by acknowledging the victims, and the Grammys allocated ad space for local businesses impacted by the disaster.
By the end of the night, $7 million had been raised for relief efforts.
Several performances celebrated the city, including Billie Eilish and Finneas singing Birds of a Feather. Dawes, John Legend, Sheryl Crow, Brad Paisley, Brittany Howard, and St. Vincent also took the stage for a heartfelt performance of I Love L.A.
Star-Studded Wins and Tributes
Doechii won Best Rap Album for Alligator Bites Never Heal, becoming only the third woman to claim the award. Overcome with emotion, she corrected herself mid-speech: “This category was introduced in 1989. Two women have won… Three women have won.”
Will Smith introduced a tribute to the late Quincy Jones, who passed away in November at age 91. The segment featured Cynthia Erivo, Herbie Hancock, Lainey Wilson, Jacob Collier, Stevie Wonder, and student singers from schools lost in the wildfires. The performance ended with Janelle Monáe, channeling Michael Jackson with Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough.
The Beatles’ Now and Then, which used AI to recreate John Lennon’s voice, won Best Rock Performance. Sean Lennon accepted on behalf of his late father, calling The Beatles “the best band of all time.”
Several first-time Grammy winners included Carpenter, Roan, Doechii, Charli XCX, Amy Allen, Carin León, Gojira, and Sierra Ferrell.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers closed out their presentation of Best Pop Vocal Album with a singalong of Under the Bridge, urging fans to support wildfire survivors. The award went to Sabrina Carpenter for Short n’ Sweet.
Carpenter, in disbelief, teared up on stage. “This is my first Grammy, so I’m going to cry,” she admitted.
Powerful Speeches in a Political Climate
Several winners used their platform to advocate for marginalized communities.
Shakira won Best Latin Pop Album for Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran and dedicated the award to immigrants.
Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars performed California Dreamin’ before winning Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for Die With A Smile. In her speech, Gaga emphasized support for the LGBTQ+ community.
“Trans people are not invisible. The queer community deserves to be lifted up,” she said.
Alicia Keys received the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award and took a stand on diversity and inclusion. “DEI is not a threat, it’s a gift,” she said, referencing recent cuts to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
A Night of Music and Milestones
The 2025 Grammys were more than a celebration of music. They highlighted historic wins, social activism, and the resilience of Los Angeles. From Beyoncé’s long-overdue victory to heartfelt tributes and surprise performances, the night was one for the history books.
