Grammys 2025: Beyoncé Triumphs, Some Performances Trip

Grammys 2025: Beyoncé Triumphs, Some Performances Trip

4 minute read
Published: 2/3/2025

In a night of record-breaking triumphs, Beyoncé claimed the Album of the Year for 'Cowboy Carter' and became the most-awarded artist in Grammy history, all while Kendrick Lamar racked up five awards of his own.

This year's Grammy Awards were nothing short of a musical blockbuster, with Beyoncé finally snagging her long-awaited Album of the Year win, bringing her total to 35 awards and solidifying her title as the queen of the Grammys. Meanwhile, Kendrick Lamar served up five wins, including Record and Song of the Year, proving that everyone should just start looking for a new trophy shelf for their gold-plated achievements. The night also featured memorable performances and speeches, like Chappell Roan's moment after winning Best New Artist, reminding us that there's always room for fresh talent in a sea of legends.

With her album 'Cowboy Carter', Beyoncé not only wrapped up the Album of the Year accolade but also broke a long streak of being nominated without a win. Having led this year’s nominations with a remarkable 11 nods, a record for female artists, it’s safe to say she finally collected the hard-earned Grammy that had been teasing her for years. And after all that anticipation, her victory lap might as well be a full-fledged world tour at this point.

In an endearing twist of fate, Taylor Swift presented Beyoncé with the Grammy for Best Country Album. For anyone keeping track, this moment marks a full-circle journey since Swift herself began in country music, proving once again that the music industry loves a good plot twist almost as much as they love a catchy hook. Meanwhile, Taylor might want to start her own awards night where the winners just sit around exchanging trophy ideas, because on this night, she left empty-handed with her album 'The Tortured Poets Department'.

Kendrick Lamar's five wins, including the coveted Record and Song of the Year for 'Not Like Us', put the spotlight on his artistic prowess. He, too, made sure the evening didn't get too comfortable for anyone else, reminding everyone why he deserves a spot on every playlist and art gallery wall. The sheer volume of awards he walked away with suggests that his trophy room may soon require its own zip code.

As for breakout stars, Chappell Roan’s acceptance speech for Best New Artist was one of the evening's standout moments. With eloquence only known to those who have rehearsed in front of the bathroom mirror a few too many times, Roan not only thanked his influences but also threw in a few zingers that had the audience swinging between heartwarming sentiment and awkward chuckles.

Star-studded performances filled the event, with Billie Eilish evoking nostalgia in her rendition of 'Birds of a Feather', projected against a backdrop that looked like a love letter to Los Angeles. Whether it was the audience reminiscing about their high school days or discovering they really miss just being able to park without a permit, Eilish's poignant delivery evoked the kind of reactions you’d expect from a reunion no one quite planned for.

Meanwhile, The Weeknd made a stunning return to the Grammys stage with a performance of his new track 'Cry for Me', which was delightful confirmation that boycotting award shows is apparently just a minor detour for those whose careers are soaring sky-high. One wonders if the first row of the audience had an obstruction view sticker plastered over their vision thanks to the intense glow of his stardom.

The ceremony didn’t skimp on tributes either. A heartfelt performance for Quincy Jones, featuring Stevie Wonder and Janelle Monáe, captivated witnesses spanning multiple generations. As they honored the legend, one could overhear whispers of 'He should really be paying us to keep this energy alive'.

Other winners included Charli XCX, who took home three awards for her album 'Brat', and Sabrina Carpenter, who captured two Grammys for 'Short n’ Sweet', proving that Grammy night is rivaling a farmer's market for awards; no category too small to not be recognized. Remember, it’s nice to have options.

Amidst all the glitz and glam, it seems the night’s winners also served up a reminder that music is continually evolving. Between newcomers and seasoned veterans reclaiming their spotlight, it’s clear there’s plenty of room for artists to flex their talents. After all, in a world where cowboys can win Album of the Year and newcomers steal the show, one could say the categories are as fluid as the rhythms themselves!