Audio File: Did I Just Watch The Most Iconic Grammy Awards in Music History?

Written by Anna Porter. Graphic by Anna Porter.

As a music lover, I always look forward to the Grammy Awards, but I knew that the 2025 Grammys would be extra special based on the amazing past year of music we have lived through. In 2024, I tried to set aside my tendencies to want a generally eclectic and niche music taste to truly appreciate what pop music has been delivering. This year gave us the long-awaited rise of Sabrina Carpenter to the top of the pops, as well as the icon that is Chappell Roan, and towards the end of the year, Doechii started to make her presence known. I truly enjoyed *almost* every second of the Grammys this year, so join me as I overview my opinions on key things that happened during the night.

1. Seating chart surprises

Getting to watch Taylor Swift and Cynthia Erivo interact was not on my 2025 bingo card. This may seem like a strange seating chart fluke, but it turns out that Cynthia was seated at another table. She entered from the red carpet right as the show was beginning, and after scrambling to find her actual seat, Taylor offered Cynthia to squeeze in at her table for the time being, sharing a chair.

Image courtesy of CBS

2. LA tributes

The past month has been tumultuous for the people of LA, while the wildfires have been taking over thousands of homes and small businesses. So, this year, the Grammys made it a night for donation to this cause. Throughout the show, a QR code was displayed in the corner of the TV so that people could donate. At the end of the show, the firefighters of Los Angeles announced the Album of the Year award. My personal favorite part of the LA tribute was the emotional performance of “California Dreamin’” by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars.

3. Cowgirl Chic is still going strong

From a giant pink pony and to rodeo clowns, cowgirl chic has reached its peak this year. Chappell Roan’s performance of “Pink Pony Club” immersed the audience in a western wonderland. Later in the night, Shaboozey performed “Tipsy (A Bar Song),” and I really enjoyed the line-dance style choreography and the dancers dressed as cowgirls. Beyoncé’s album of the year win with the record “Cowboy Carter” capped off the night, proving that country is here to stay till the cows come home.

4. The Swamp Princess wins big

Doechii, 26 year old rapper, won Rap Album of the year, being the third woman to ever win this award, succeeding Lauryn Hill and Cardi B. Later, she came back onstage to perform a mashup of “Catfish” and “Denial is a River.” I loved her speech, empowering people to go after their dreams. This is just the beginning of Doechii’s success, and I hope to see her at more Grammys in the future.

5. Non-televised snubs

CharliXCX and Sabrina Carpenter won some well-deserved awards in the Grammys pre-show, but there were also some major snubs. Irish band Fontaines D.C. was up for Best Rock Album, but the win went to The Rolling Stones. I know I’m biased, and the Rolling Stones are legends, but watching a group of 80-year-olds win an award over one of the best young upcoming bands is just going to continue to push good rock music away from the mainstream.

6. Chappell Roan speech

The limelight of a certain midwest princess has sparked some revelations about the music industry. Chappell is known for bringing her issues with paparazzi and similar things to the forefront, so it was predictable that she’d have something important to say during an acceptance speech. After winning her award for Best New Artist, Chappell got onstage to bring up the issue of providing healthcare to signed artists, urging music labels to give singers this important employee benefit.

7. No boys allowed (a hot take)

I will admit that I probably listen to more male artists than female artists, but the 2025 Grammys was at its best when the girls were onstage. This is truly because female pop music was at an all-time high last year. So, I can say I was unamused when Benson Boone took the stage to do yet another backflip, and when The Weeknd made a surprise musical appearance, even though he didn’t have anything up for nomination. Additionally, Kendrick Lamar’s song “Not Like Us” won two awards, leaving artists like Billie Eilish and Taylor Swift with nothing to take home. All this aside, I did enjoy The Dare’s appearance during Charli XCX’s performance of “Guess.”

8. Lady Gaga is back

Lady Gaga has been teasing a new record after releasing the songs, “Die With A Smile” and “Disease” over the past few months. She appeared at the Grammys with a Nosferatu-chic gothic getup, with fresh microbangs and a black corset gown. About halfway through the show, the TV cut to commercials, where Gaga’s music video for her new song “Abracadabra” was shown in an ad space. This music video was amazing– I loved the visuals and the sound of this song, reminiscent of her old music.

9. A family event

You know you’re getting old when the OG pop artists of your time start bringing their kids to the Grammys. Artists such as Shakira, Alicia Keys, and Beyoncés’ kids made appearances. Genesis and Blue Ivy both escorted their moms onstage, but this year, the Audiofile cutest kids award goes to Shakira’s 10 and 12 year old sons, Milan and Sasha.

Image courtesy of Getty Images

While Brat is still Album of the Year in my heart, I truly think this was the best Grammys that I have seen in my lifetime. The talented collection of performers, as well as the amazing set design and overall accurate judging gave 2024’s golden year of pop the grand finale it deserved.