Here's What You Missed At The 2025 Grammys

Chile, I thought the Grammys might piss me off at this late hour. Congrats, Beyoncé. “It’s been many, many years,” she said in her acceptance speech. Tell ’em, B! — Erin

I AM SCREAMING! SHE DID IT! And it’s about damn time.

Only the FOURTH Black woman to win this award. SO well deserved. SO belated. And just such a beautiful album to win for. And she dedicated this win for Album of the Year to Linda Martell, a Black woman the country music industry blackballed and who was significant to the genre on so many levels. All I can say is … finally. — Taryn

OMG. LMAO. I love this. I hope Drake rescinds that lawsuit this week. That’s all. — Erin

“Not Like Us” now being a five-time Grammy-winning diss song, Diana Ross giving Kendrick Lamar this award for that record… this is the chaos I live for LMAO. The dedication to Whitney’s crip walk in the music video. This man is too hilarious, I can’t. — Njera

I loved his adoration for Diana Ross, too. Like, THEE Diana Ross presented Kendrick this award and he got up there with his boys and CUT UP. This is too good. He’s about to go off next weekend at the Super Bowl.

And y’all heard the man: “Respect art form and that’ll get you where you need to go.” MESSAGE! — Taryn

Drake is SICK! That’s the fourth win of the night for Kendrick’s “Not Like Us.” He got the whole world yelling “A MINOOOOOOORRRRRR” on Grammy night. Since the beef, you can’t go anywhere without hearing this record blast through the streets, contrary to what the Canadian rapper’s dropped lawsuit claimed. This is such a great win. And so appropriate during Black History Month. They not like us, for real. — Taryn

Kendrick calling out different neighborhoods in LA and dedicating his award to those ‘hoods is just so great. “I can’t give enough thanks to these places I’ve rode around since high school,” he said in his speech, after calling out a bunch of areas in Los Angeles. “Most importantly the people and the families out in the Palisades and Altadena. This is a testament that we can continue to restore this city.” This win just makes me so happy. — Erin

I can’t think of a more fitting winner for Record of the Year. A diss song is now a four-time Grammy-winning track — I know Drake is somewhere seething. I think back to what Sean Ono Lennon said during the Grammys premiere ceremony earlier today: “I just wanted to give some advice to the young people out there. Never get into a rap battle with Kendrick Lamar.” He just might win (several) Grammys off it. — Njera

I keep forgetting this song exists. But then when I hear it, I get confused on how Bruno went from this to “Fat, Juicy and Wet” with Sexyy Red. Then I remember how much money he owes MGM. This song just feels like a calculated record label move to me. — Taryn

Am I the only one who didn’t completely love this song when it dropped? I didn’t expect it to top the Billboard Hot 100, and I definitely didn’t anticipate this Grammy win. But congrats? I guess. — Njera

Respect to Janelle’s moonwalk, though! She brought some great energy to this tribute. — Erin

I am LIVING for this tribute performance from Janelle. When she pays homage, she goes all in. You gotta love it. I selfishly wish “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” wasn’t the only MJ song performed, but that was so much fun to watch. — Njera

Yeah, Janelle did that! I loved that they ended Quincy Jones’ tribute with a double nod to him and Michael Jackson. — Taryn

I rolled my eyes so hard just now. CEO Harvey Mason Jr. got up there to talk about how much the Recording Academy has improved since 2020 and hype up this special performance for it to be … The Weeknd. That was the most anticlimactic “surprise” I’ve ever seen during an award show. They literally rolled out the red carpet for this man just because he once boycotted the award show and now he’s back. Boy, bye! What a waste of excitement. — Taryn

The Weeknd is giving the surprise performance that I, for damn sure, didn’t ask for. I watched him in that horrible HBO show “The Idol” and told myself that I never needed to see him again. I have nothing to say. I’ve never really been a fan of his music so there’s that. — Erin

OK, considering he just dropped an album two days ago, the timing of this doesn’t surprise me. However, that was such an extra ass introduction to bring The Weeknd, of all people, back to the Grammys stage. I had no idea he was the “very special guest” CBS was teasing in commercials leading up to the show, but like … I don’t think this was the big moment they thought it’d be. — Njera

Also, considering all of the artists who’ve boycotted or spoken out about the Grammys, The Weeknd isn’t even the first to come to mind. I’m actually really annoyed at how much effort they spent on this. — Taryn

Chappell Roan calls for livable wages and health insurance for developing artists. She said if she ever made it to the Grammys stage that she would advocate for these basic human rights. “Labels, we got you. But do you got us?” This is such good use of an acceptance speech. I’m here for it. — Erin

Before tonight, I didn’t know too much about Chappell Roan aside from “Hot To Go” (which is my jam). But with that stellar performance of “Pink Pony Girl” and a poignant acceptance speech that should have these record execs shaking in their boots, I see why people go up for Chappell. Her presence has been such a highlight at this year’s show and her words were so necessary. We know how exploitative the music industry is, and what better way to call the folks in power out on their shit than on music’s biggest night. — Taryn

I’ll never forget seeing Chappell Roan at Lollapalooza last summer and the record number of people who were elated to watch her set. I knew then she was a star, but seeing the way she’s continuously advocated for artists’ well-being lets me know she’s not just in it for the music, she really wants to make a difference, too, and that’s admirable. A Best New Artist win is going to help cement her place in this industry and I can’t wait to see how far she takes it. Hopefully, her moving acceptance speech isn't ignored either. — Njera

Beyoncé was truly shocked that she won this award, and I thought it was hilarious but I also kind of understood why. So many people, the Country Music Awards included, have played in this album's face like it isn’t great.

This album pays homage to the history of Black country music while holding a significant message about the box America tries to place around Black people and artists. With regressive legislation and companies deemphasizing the impact Black people have in this country, “Cowboy Carter” is an album that’s right on time. And it was undoubtedly a deep and resonant representation of what it means to be country. — Taryn

Beyoncé’s shocked reaction was me for a split second. But it would’ve been so crazy to give Best Country Album to anyone else after the groundbreaking impact of “Cowboy Carter.” That’s not to say the Grammys won’t still find a way to play in her face tonight — I’m holding my breath over Album of the Year — but at least they made the right choice here.

“Cowboy Carter” gave so many Black country artists looks last year and helped elevate their careers. More than that, though, Beyoncé’s country album is a testament that she, and other Black artists, cannot and should not be boxed into any one genre for anyone else’s comfort. This win is monumental. Now, let’s hope they give “Cowboy Carter” the big one by the end of the night. — Njera

I’m so happy she won in this category. And she better still win for the Album of the Year category. These award shows love to play games, and I HOPE she’s going up on that stage again. — Erin

I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award than Doechii. She’s had one hell of a year and for her to be only the third female rapper to win Best Rap Album is an outstanding feat for her and for hip-hop. (Recording Academy, do better because only three women winning in this category is abysmal.) Even outside of rap, “Alligator Bites Never Heal” was one of the best albums that came out in 2024.

I believe we’re witnessing Doechii become a blueprint for the next generation for artists, especially the rap girlies. I just hope that the academy recognizes that women have been running rap and deserve way more recognition in this category in the years to come. You go, Swamp Princess! — Taryn

I’ve been speaking up this win for Doechii ever since she was nominated, and I am so incredibly happy for her! Literally cheesing at my television as she affirms herself wholeheartedly in her acceptance speech. I knew “Alligator Bites Never Heal” was a game changer when I couldn’t stop playing that mixtape to no end. Seeing the flawless campaign to push that project and Doechii to the forefront, officially making her a Grammy winner, paid off big time.

Agreed, Taryn, she was the only choice for this category, IMO. Like Doechii said, THREE women have now won Best Rap Album at the Grammys. (She’s the second solo female rapper to win.) I hope this opens way more doors for women in rap to get acknowledged in this light from the Grammys. Thank goodness, they got it right! — Njera

I’m in tears. Incredible mixtape. Incredible talent. Incredible acceptance speech. No notes! — Erin

Honestly, I’m really stressed about Beyoncé announcing the Cowboy Carter tour. I don’t want to battle with Ticketmaster to get tickets, and I don’t want to battle with my wallet. We’re broke, Beyoncé! We ain’t got it. So Trevor Noah’s nod to Trump’s tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China in his Grammys monologue hit a little too hard. — Erin

Emphasis on we’re broke! I wish that woman kept her announcement on ice just a little while longer because, with everything happening in this country, the last thing we need to stress about is paying for Beyoncé tickets. — Njera

I’m tired, OK! And poor! And if Beyoncé wins Album of the Year tonight, those tickets are going to be at least $1,000 for nosebleeds. Hell, even if she doesn’t win, Ticketmaster won’t be any better about the prices. And she knows we’re gonna go regardless. I guess I’m just going to have to not buy eggs all year to afford it. Ugh! — Taryn

As if “Not Like Us” winning three Grammys before the main telecast wasn’t enough, Mustaaaard got some love from host Trevor Noah during his opening monologue, too. And I’m here for it! It’s so dope that he’s getting his proper shine for producing the biggest rap record of 2024. It’s also hilarious that this viral ad-lib has now made it to the Grammys stage. — Njera

I was cracking up at Noah telling the white people at home to ask their Black friends what that means. With Kendrick already taking home a Grammy for Best Rap Song, I feel like that won’t be the only K Dot moment of the night and I’m LIVING for it. — Taryn

Dawes, John Legend, Brittany Howard, St. Vincent and Sheryl Crow set the tone for this year’s Grammys with “We Love LA,” an ode to Los Angeles, its residents and first responders who experienced tragic wildfires throughout January. The night will most likely, appropriately, be filled with these moments, especially with the fundraising efforts in place to rebuild the city.