Drake Was Humiliated
Drake faced a significant setback at the 2025 Grammy Awards when Kendrick Lamar won both Record and Song of the Year for his track “Not Like Us.” The attention-grabbing performance saw Lamar, dressed in double denim—a “Canadian tuxedo”—walking to the podium, while the audience, including Beyoncé, chanted parts of the song that lodge serious allegations against Drake. This controversial win, coupled with Drake’s long-standing critique of the Grammy’s lack of understanding of rap music, seemed to amplify his situation, raising questions about his future in the industry.
Not clowning around … Chappell Roan performs at the Grammys. Photograph: Maya Dehlin Spach/FilmMagic
Chappell Roan Called for Workers’ Rights
Chappell Roan, known for her powerful performances, used her win for Best New Artist to advocate for workers’ rights, particularly health insurance and livable wages for musicians. Roan’s struggle in affording health insurance during her early career resonated with many. She emphasized the need for record labels to prioritize artists’ well-being, stating, “If my label would have prioritised artists’ health, I could have been provided care by a company I was giving everything to … Labels, we got you, but do you got us?”
Lady Gaga Advocated for Trans Rights
Amidst Donald Trump’s policies enshrining transphobia, Lady Gaga spoke out on behalf of the trans community. Winning Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Die With a Smile,” she declared, “Trans people are not invisible. Trans people deserve love. The queer community deserves to be lifted up.” This powerful statement came at a crucial moment, offering solidarity and support to marginalized groups.
Doechii Capped Her Breakthrough Year
Twenty-six-year-old rapper Doechii achieved a major milestone by winning Best Rap Album for “Alligator Bites Don’t Heal,” becoming only the third woman to win this category after Lauryn Hill and Cardi B. Her unorthodox flow and dance moves during the Grammys performance, including a daring bikini reveal, showcased her unique talent and solidified her place in the rap world.
Sierra Ferrell’s Triumph
Sierra Ferrell’s fourth album earned her four Grammy wins across the roots and Americana categories. Her journey from a trailer-dwelling musician to a successful pop artist reflects the evolving nature of country and pop music. Dressed in a statement-making, AI-enhanced pearly queen outfit, Ferrell’s victory symbolizes the growing acceptance of authentic, traditional sounds in contemporary music.
Beyoncé’s Long-Awaited Album of the Year Win
After numerous nominations, Beyoncé finally won Album of the Year for her self-titled album. While some may question why it took a country album to secure this honor, her nomination for “4,” widely regarded as one of her greatest works, was notably absent. Beyoncé’s win demonstrated her crossover appeal, capturing both the general and country music voters.
An American Won Best Global Music Album
Matt B, an American musician based in the US, won Best Global Music Album for “Alkebulan II,” a project featuring the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. This victory, especially in the context of America’s protectionist policies, highlighted the diversity and global reach of the music industry. B’s exploration of African heritage through music provided a meaningful and culturally rich contribution to the Grammy lineup.
A Businesswoman Won Best New Age Album
Triveni by Wouter Kellerman, Eru Matsumoto, and Chandrika Tandon, won Best New Age Album. Considering the strong nomination of Ryuichi Sakamoto’s “Opus,” this win highlighted the diverse talent within the genre. Chandrika Tandon, a multimillionaire businesswoman and philanthropist, brought her wealth of experience to the project, demonstrating that the music industry values varied backgrounds and expertise.
The Academy Still Loves Chris Stapleton
Chris Stapleton’s consistent success continued, with his fifth consecutive win in 10 years in the Best Country Solo Performance category for his song “Starting Over.” This marked his 11th Grammy win overall, showcasing the Academy’s continued admiration for Stapleton’s unique blend of traditional and contemporary country music.
Female Artists Triumphed—But Men Still Dominate Behind the Scenes
Despite female artists securing two of the “big four” awards, the behind-the-scenes recognition was predominantly male. Analysis found that only 9% of winners in the top categories were women, highlighting the industry’s gender disparity. Female producers, songwriters, and engineers, such as Idania Valencia and Amy Allen, continue to make strides, but significant work remains in achieving gender equity.
A Disappointing Night for the Brits
Charli XCX represented the UK at the Grammys, delivering a viral performance of “Guess” that left audiences in awe. However, her presence did not translate into major award wins, echoing a poor night for other British acts. Jordan Adetunji, Raye, and Jacob Collier all missed out on significant categories, underscoring the Grammys’ focus on American talent. The Beatles and Rolling Stones partially salvaged the night with wins in the rock categories, but overall, it was a challenging evening for British artists.
