Music’s biggest night took place in Los Angeles, in Grammys 2025, just weeks after wildfires left unprecedented destruction across the city. Rather than looking the other way, the awards show chose to use the platform and captive audience to do good, and there was plenty of singing and dancing throughout the event.
At the start of the show, host Trevor Noah said that rather than just celebrating music, the ceremony would be “a celebration of humanity and the spirit of survival.”
Here’s a look back at some of the highlights from the ceremony, including, yes, Beyoncé’s big win:
Beyoncé won the Grammy for album of the year for her genre-bending “Cowboy Carter,” scoring her first win in a category that has eluded her after four previous unsuccessful nominations throughout her decorated career.
Beyoncé accepted the award in Grammys 2025, presented by members of the Los Angeles Fire Department, while standing next to her daughter, Blu Ivy.
“I feel very fulfilled and very honored,” she said. “It’s been many, many years.”
Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish watched with tears in their eyes from the crowd. This was Beyoncé’s third win of the night.
General Category Winners – Grammy 2025
- RECORD OF THE YEAR
‘Not Like Us’, Kendrick Lamar
- ALBUM OF THE YEAR
‘COWBOY CARTER’, Beyoncé
- SONG OF THE YEAR
‘Not Like Us’, Kendrick Lamar, songwriter (Kendrick Lamar)
- BEST NEW ARTIST
Chappell Roan
- PRODUCER OF THE YEAR, NON-CLASSICAL
Daniel Nigro
- SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR, NON-CLASSICAL
Amy Allen
- BEST LATIN POP ALBUM
‘Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran’, by Shakira
- BEST URBAN MUSIC ALBUM
‘THE LYRICS DON’T MATTER ANYMORE’, Residente
- BEST LATIN ROCK OR ALTERNATIVE ALBUM
‘Who’s Bringing the Cornetas?’, Rawayana
- BEST MEXICAN MUSIC ALBUM (INCLUDING TEXAN)
‘Boca Chueca, Vol. 1’, Carín León
- BEST TROPICAL MUSIC ALBUM
‘Alma, Corazón y Salsa (Live at Gran Teatro Nacional)’, Tony Succar, Mimy Succar
The Grammy 2025 love for the City of Angels began with an opening act that brought Altadena natives Dawes onstage with Sheryl Crow, Brad Paisley, John Legend, Brittany Howard and St. Vincent for an unforgettable rendition of Randy Newman’s “I Love LA.” And it didn’t end there.
Commercial time was devoted to local businesses affected by last month’s wildfire, with famous faces making cameos. Noah directed viewers to a QR code on the screen to raise money for MusiCares Fire Relief and other charities — $7 million was raised during the show, he announced near the end of the broadcast. Los Angeles native Billie Eilish performed her hit “Birds of a Feather” in a rustic setting reminiscent of hiking trails throughout Los Angeles County, while what appeared to be photos from her childhood played in the background.
Later, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars took the stage to perform a stripped-down version of The Mamas & the Papas’ 1965 song “California Dreamin’,” after a pre-recorded piece that highlighted heartbreaking images of damaged homes and heartbroken families.
Gloomy? At times, the main message of the program was one of hope and an invitation to join those who seek ways to bring about better days.
CREDITS:
Director: Alejandro Bernal
Text: Max Hackenbroich
