Graphic By Maya Uribe
By Melisa Rodriguez
The 2025 Grammy Awards, held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, was a night of celebration, reflection and activism. While the ceremony honored the best in music, it also became a platform for pressing social issues, from transgender rights to industry reform and wildfire relief efforts.
This year’s show was uniquely reformatted to support victims of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, which displaced thousands of residents. Host Trevor Noah set the tone with an opening speech dedicated to those affected, promising a night that not only honored music but also celebrated “the city that brought us so much of that music.”
L.A. Wildfire Relief Efforts Take Center Stage
The telecast opened with a powerful performance of Randy Newman’s “I Love L.A.” by Dawes—whose members were directly impacted by the Eaton fire—backed by John Legend, Brad Paisley, Sheryl Crow, Brittany Howard and St. Vincent. The moment set the tone for a night deeply connected to the city’s recovery.
In a significant move, the Recording Academy announced a $2 million donation to the California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund. Additionally, ad time during the broadcast was allocated to local businesses affected by the fires, providing critical support for rebuilding efforts.
The show also featured a heartbreaking montage of the wildfire devastation, showing footage of families returning to the remains of their homes and schools. The segment closed with a voiceover reminding viewers: “We’re going to need each other. We’re going to need everyone. Knowing we’re not alone makes all the difference.”
Adding to the tribute, Los Angeles-born Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas performed “Birds of a Feather” on a stage designed to resemble the L.A. mountains. At the end of their set, Eilish told the crowd, “We love you, L.A.”
Major Award Winners
• Album of the Year – Cowboy Carter – Beyoncé
• Record & Song of the Year – Not Like Us – Kendrick Lamar
• Best New Artist – Chappell Roan
• Best Pop Duo/Group Performance – Die with a Smile – Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars
Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter continued her genre-defying impact, while Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us swept both Record and Song of the Year. Rising star Chappell Roan took home Best New Artist, marking a major milestone in her career.
Click here to read the complete list of nominees and winners.
Lady Gaga Advocates for Trans Rights
Lady Gaga used her acceptance speech for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance as a moment to stand in solidarity with the transgender community.
“It’s such an honor to sing for all of you. I just want to say tonight that trans people are not invisible. Trans people deserve love,” she declared alongside Bruno Mars. “The queer community deserves to be lifted up. Music is love.”
Her remarks came in response to President Donald Trump’s recent executive order rolling back protections for transgender individuals. The policy, which defines gender based on biological reproductive roles at conception, has sparked widespread backlash from LGBTQ+ advocates. Gaga’s speech was met with a standing ovation, reinforcing the importance of using the Grammy platform for activism.
Chappell Roan Calls for Industry Reform
Chappell Roan, who won Best New Artist, delivered one of the night’s most impactful speeches, addressing financial inequities in the music industry.
“I told myself if I ever won a Grammy and I got to stand up here in front of the most powerful people in music, I would demand that labels and the industry profiting millions of dollars off of artists would offer a livable wage,” Roan stated.
She emphasized the struggles of many emerging artists, from financial insecurity to lack of healthcare, and pledged a $25,000 donation to Backline, a nonprofit supporting musicians’ mental health and wellness. Her words sparked widespread discussion about the sustainability of a career in music and the role record labels should play in supporting artists.
Memorable Performances & Key Moments
- Sabrina Carpenter arrived onstage and kicked off her performance with a playful, old-school big-band showstopper of “Espresso,” complete with a tap-dance breakdown. Carpenter transitioned into a dreamy version of “Please Please Please” while surrounded by tuxedo-clad dancers, before finishing with pyrotechnics and a triumphant final chorus of “Espresso.” Her performance, just minutes before winning her first Grammy, showcased why she’s become an in-demand arena headliner and a breakout star of 2024.
- Chappell Roan brought the energy with a performance of “Pink Pony Club.” After a video segment documenting her rise from a Midwest dreamer to a global superstar, Roan took the stage with a bold rendition of the song, complete with an enormous pink pony and a troupe of rodeo clowns. Her powerful vocals and commanding presence earned her a standing ovation, affirming that Roan is on track to become a major force in music.
- Charli XCX delivered one of the most unique performances of the night. Kicking off her set from the heart of Crypto.com Arena, she brought the rave atmosphere to the Grammys stage with her hit “Von Dutch.” Her performance was chaotic and memorable, featuring feral screaming, underwear raining down from the sky (which was donated to survivors of domestic violence) and a birthday shout-out to Julia Fox. Charli’s wild, unapologetic performance proved that she is a trailblazer, operating in her own lane and breaking boundaries.
- Doechii captivated the audience with a jaw-dropping performance of “Catfish” and “Denial is a River.” Following her victory for Best Rap Album, Doechii delivered a performance packed with high-concept visuals, including dueling clones and intense choreography. Her fiery delivery left the audience in awe, including stars like Jay-Z, SZA and Billie Eilish. Doechii’s performance solidified her place as one of the hottest names in rap, with more top hits to come.
Watch the Highlights
For those who missed the live broadcast, you can watch the best moments and performances from the 2025 GRAMMYs at live.GRAMMY.com.
A Celebration of Music and Change
The 2025 Grammy Awards proved to be more than just a celebration of music—it was a night of advocacy, resilience and community. From powerful speeches on trans rights and industry reform to heartfelt tributes to those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires, the ceremony highlighted the role of music as both a source of joy and a catalyst for change. As the industry moves forward, the conversations sparked on this stage will undoubtedly continue to shape its future.
