The 2025 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles showcased an array of musical talent, with Beyoncé leading the nominations due to her highly praised album, “Cowboy Carter.” Hosted by Trevor Noah for the fifth consecutive year, the show featured a lineup of performances from artists such as Shakira, Billie Eilish, and Charli XCX, accompanied by notable presenters, including Will Smith and Stevie Wonder, who paid tribute to the influential producer Quincy Jones. The event kicked off at 8 p.m. Eastern Time/5 p.m. Pacific, with streaming made available via CBS and Paramount+.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers touched the crowd with an acapella version of their hit “Under the Bridge” during the evening, encouraging attendees to express vocal support for their communities. Additionally, Taylor Swift was notably supportive of Sabrina Carpenter after Carpenter snagged the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album, triumphing over Swift with her album “Short n’ Sweet.”
Amidst commercial breaks, there was a flurry of movement, with photographers capturing the stars engaging with each other while backstage crews prepped for upcoming performances. Every now and then, a voice crackled through the speakers urging attendees to settle back into their seats.
When comedian Jim Gaffigan humorously stated that Trevor Noah had been traded to the Dallas Mavericks during a commercial, he was alluding to recent NBA news involving the Lakers’ Anthony Davis and Mavericks’ Luka Don?i?. The iconic Crypto.com Arena, home to the Lakers and the day’s Grammy festivities, also served as the backdrop for moments like Doechii’s heartfelt acceptance speech for Best Rap Album. She contrasted the historical low number of women winning the award, marking her win as a celebration for female artistry in music.
Trevor Noah’s fifth hosting stint started earnestly, but soon he transitioned into a lively series of jokes, touching on various topics including the Beatles and implications of new music releases. He also highlighted the ongoing wildfire relief efforts, integrating messages of empathy amidst the glitz and glam of the evening.
As Dawes kicked off a tribute segment with a rendition of the classic “I Love L.A.,” the somber backdrop of recent wildfires lingered over the night’s festivities. Dawes’ members shared personal losses from the wildfires, marking their performance with both nostalgia and resilience.
This year’s event allowed audiences to contribute to wildfire relief through QR codes placed on tables throughout the arena. The stars embraced the atmosphere, with many notable figures taking center stage in breathtaking attire, such as Sabrina Carpenter’s extravagant look for her performance of “Espresso,” which blended Broadway flair with her signature pop vibe.
The tone of the night wavered between joyful celebration and sober reflection, particularly as Trevor Noah emphasized the larger context of loss through the wildfires in California. Meanwhile, the red carpet saw stars like Olivia Rodrigo stepping into the spotlight with striking fashion statements.
Unsurprisingly, the evening yielded numerous surprises, including a record of winners, where Cardi B treated fans with an extravagant appearance clad in eye-catching gold and black attire. The awards ceremony spanned various categories, with a particular highlight being the first award going to Carpenter.
Amidst the dazzling performances and poignant tributes, the night also included anticipated wins like the posthumous recognition for Jimmy Carter, who was honored for his audiobook narration. His grandson accepted the accolade, stressing the importance of his grandfather’s messages of love and kindness during challenging times in the nation.
As the Grammys continued, glittering moments showcased musical legends and fresh talent alike. Celebrities were abuzz with excitement as they celebrated each other’s accomplishments, and the camaraderie of the industry shone brightly throughout the event.
