LOS ANGELES — The 2025 Grammy Awards have kicked off, highlighting prominent artists and chart-topping hits in the music industry. Beyoncé leads the nominations with her highly praised album, “Cowboy Carter.” The ceremony began at 8 p.m. Eastern/5 p.m. Pacific and is available for streaming through CBS and Paramount+.

Featured performances throughout the night include Shakira, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, Doechii, Sabrina Carpenter, and Charli XCX. Presenters like Will Smith, Stevie Wonder, and Janelle Monáe offered a tribute to the influential producer Quincy Jones, while comedian Trevor Noah returned for his fifth time as host.

In a thrilling moment, the show hinted at a surprise with fog clouding the stage as significant panels were raised. Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga entertained the crowd with their somber rendition of “California Dreamin’,” specifically aimed at raising funds for wildfire relief efforts affecting the Los Angeles area. Lady Gaga expressed her love for California, making the performance even more heartfelt.

Chappell Roan, who accepted the Best New Artist award, used her platform to advocate for healthcare and profit-sharing for emerging artists, stating her hopes that record labels support artists with livable wages. Sharing her own struggles with the industry, she called for accountability from labels, asking, “Labels, we got you, but do you got us?” Her speech received thunderous applause.

The Grammy Awards made a poignant nod to wildfire devastation with a montage illustrating the destruction wrought by recent Los Angeles fires. Images of flames, damaged homes, and community perseverance accompanied a moving voiceover emphasizing the need for solidarity in such trying times. Post-segment, Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga performed once again, reinforcing their earlier tribute to California.

As Roan accepted her Grammy wearing a whimsical wizard hat that kept falling off, she humorously joked about it. Her outfit featured flowing fabric, showcasing her vibrant and playful style. In a touching moment, presenter Victoria Monét hurried to retrieve Roan’s fallen hat, further highlighting the camaraderie amongst artists.

Monét, last year’s best new artist winner, commended the perseverance it takes to gain recognition in such a competitive field, hinting that the title often goes to artists who have been around for longer than people realize.

The Best Country Album award went unexpectedly to Beyoncé for “Cowboy Carter.” Many speculated she might not win in that category, as it traditionally leans towards country artists. Her surprised reaction after Taylor Swift announced her win underscored the unpredictability of the evening. She expressed her gratitude toward her family, drawing attention to the support of Jay-Z and Blue Ivy Carter in the audience.

Taylor Swift also took the stage to present the prestigious award, reminiscing about her own journey and how artists never forget their roots. During Chappell Roan’s performance of “Pink Pony Club,” she donned a sequined cowboy hat, complemented by an exuberant stage presence featuring rodeo-inspired elements that earned her a standing ovation.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers added their unique flair with a brief a cappella tribute to Los Angeles before presenting the Best Pop Vocal Album award, while Taylor Swift showed her support for her tour opener, Sabrina Carpenter, who clinched that title for her album “Short n’ Sweet.”

As the ceremony unfolded, the atmosphere buzzed with activity during commercial breaks, with stars mingling and photographers capturing moments amid the backdrop of the arena. Meanwhile, a light-hearted joke from comedian Jim Gaffigan about trevor Noah’s “trade” to the Dallas Mavericks injected some humor amidst the glory of the awards.

Doechii, embracing her win for Best Rap Album, reflected on being one of the few women to claim this title, proudly stating she would be in great company alongside previous winners like Lauryn Hill and Cardi B.

Trevor Noah delivered a series of rapid-fire jokes, transitioning from a sincere opening about the wildfires to humorous jabs at industry topics, all while emphasizing the importance of solidarity during difficult times. The band Dawes led a tribute to Los Angeles with an emotional performance of “I Love L.A.,” as the Grammy night took on a spirit of resilience.

The ceremony served as a reminder of community and creativity amidst tragedy while blending heartfelt tributes with dazzling performances and celebratory moments. As the night progressed, it proved to be a memorable occasion for artists and fans alike, marrying musical excellence with acts of compassion and awareness. The show’s blend of performances, touching speeches, and the celebration of wins encapsulated the essence of the Grammy’s spirit, giving a platform to both artistry and advocacy.