The 2025 Grammy Awards are set to celebrate outstanding musical talent and chart-topping hits. Leading the pack is Beyoncé, who has garnered the most nominations for her highly praised album, “Cowboy Carter.” The awards show is scheduled to commence at 8 p.m. Eastern/5 p.m. Pacific, streaming live on CBS and Paramount+. Meanwhile, the Premiere Ceremony is currently underway, with viewership available on the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel and live.GRAMMY.com.
Typically known for outlandish fashion choices, the red carpet at the Grammys is taking a more understated approach this year, influenced by the recent tragic events of the Los Angeles fires. Notable performers for the evening include Shakira, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, Doechii, Sabrina Carpenter, and Charli XCX. A tribute honoring the legendary producer Quincy Jones will be presented by Will Smith, Stevie Wonder, and Janelle Monáe. Comedian Trevor Noah is returning to host the event for the fifth consecutive year.
As the stars walk the red carpet, attendees at the Crypto.com Arena are gearing up for a long night. Fans are able to pick up glossy souvenir programs and enjoy various refreshments at the venue’s bars and concession stands. For those interested in prices, a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon costs $50, while snacks such as potato chips are priced at $6.75. Beer ranges from $17.99 to $21.99, and hard liquor is priced between $23.99 and $25.99.
This year, St. Vincent praised her wife Leah and their daughter while accepting the Grammy for Best Rock Song, revealing a previously kept secret. Inside the venue, Taylor Swift’s presence is hard to miss, with a significant display commemorating her record-breaking performances at the arena. Teddy Swims is also in the spotlight, shining in a pearl-laden outfit as he awaits the arrival of his first child with partner Raiche Wright.
Bradley Cooper, despite not having won an Oscar, celebrated his third Grammy win for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media for “Maestro.” He has previously won for the film “A Star is Born.” On the red carpet, rapper Ye and his partner Bianca Censori turned heads with Censori’s strikingly sheer dress that captured all the attention. Meanwhile, Billie Eilish attended with her brother Finneas, showcasing a stylish Prada outfit and trendy sunglasses.
The evening’s red carpet isn’t just about fashion, as various artists showcased pins to support MusiCares, which aims to assist those affected by California wildfires. The established organization partnered with the Grammys to raise necessary funds, highlighted by a sizeable initial donation of one million dollars. In a fun twist, it was revealed that Chappell Roan’s vintage Jean Paul Gaultier dress was first donned by Beyoncé in a 2003 Elle magazine feature.
The event takes a nostalgic turn as it celebrates members of The Black Crowes, who received their second Grammy nomination more than three decades after their initial appearance at the awards. Chappell Roan donned a mesmerizing look of rich color palettes and period inspirations, while the Beatles took home the Best Rock Performance Grammy for their song “Now and Then,” marking their first win in nearly three decades.
Outside of the glitz and glam, the mood was uplifted with a tribute performance of “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” acknowledging the impact of recent wildfires. The show launched with a heartfelt rendition by artists that painted a backdrop of warmth and community spirit. As nominees gathered for the Premiere Ceremony, it was evident that the festival of music was steeped in purpose this year, looking to raise funds and awareness in response to the devastating events.
Amidst all the excitement, many winners and nominees remained absent during the early awards presentation at the Premiere Ceremony. Justin Tranter, hosting this segment, emphasized the need to keep acceptance speeches brief to ensure the show maintained its momentum. The event proudly displays the diversity of talent, with a variety of genres receiving recognition and artists getting their long-deserved accolades.
For the categories announced, notable milestones included Amy Allen making history as the first woman to win Songwriter of the Year in the non-classical category and a rare tie in Best Progressive R&B Album between two entries. Meanwhile, on the red carpet, fashion consistently caught the eye, from classic silhouettes to bold colors, showcasing the array of styles brought by artists celebrating their craft.
In closing, the night is also significant for highlighting the close relationship between music and social awareness, as showcased by Jimmy Carter’s posthumous Grammy win for audiobook narration. More than just a celebration of music, the Grammys seem to be navigating through emotional currents, making it a memorable night for both performers and fans alike.
