The GRAMMYs have come and gone once again, but the historic wins and uplifting speeches of music’s most beloved artists will stick around much longer. This year’s ceremony was dedicated to fundraising for MusiCares Fire Relief, a campaign committed to supporting those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires. The event raised a total of $7 million. Check out the recap below:
Beyoncé (finally) won the Album of the Year award for “COWBOY CARTER,” her eighth studio album. She is the first Black woman to receive the award in this category since Lauryn Hill in 1999. “COWBOY CARTER” also won Best Country Album, making Beyoncé the first Black artist to receive the award. She is the first Black woman to win in any country category at the GRAMMYs in over 50 years, since the Pointer Sisters in 1975. With a total of 35 career wins, Beyoncé has extended her record as the most decorated Grammy-winning artist in history.
Chappell Roan won her first Grammy for Best New Artist. She used her acceptance speech time to call out record labels who do not provide livable wages or affordable healthcare to their musicians. “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 and healthcare, especially to developing artists,” said Roan. “Record labels need to treat their artists as valuable employees with a livable wage and health insurance and protection. Labels: we got you, but do you got us?” she concluded.
Doechii won her first Grammy for Best Rap Album with her 2024 mixtape “Alligator Bites Never Heal.” She became only the third woman to win in the category since its introduction in 1989, following Lauryn Hill in 1999 and Cardi B in 2019. “I know that there is some Black girl out there, so many Black women out there that are watching me right now, and I want to tell you, you can do it,” Doechii said in her acceptance speech. “Anything is possible. Don’t allow anybody to project any stereotypes on you … you are exactly who you need to be to be right where you are, and I am a testimony,” she finished.
Lady Gaga became the first artist to win the Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance three times, this year for “Die With a Smile” with Bruno Mars. During her acceptance speech she made a statement about the transgender community: “Trans people are not invisible. Trans people deserve love, the queer community deserves to be lifted up. Music is love.” Gaga has been known to be a long-time ally of the queer community.
Alicia Keys won the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award, which “recognizes artists whose influence transcends music. It celebrates not only artistic excellence but also entrepreneurial achievements, philanthropic contributions, and global cultural impact,” according to the GRAMMY’s website. Aside from being a 16-time Grammy winner, Keys is also a New York Times Best-Selling author, wellness entrepreneur, and an advocate for women’s equality in the music industry. During her speech, Keys made a reference to President Donald Trump’s executive order targeting DEI programs. “This is not the time to shut down the diversity of voices. We’ve seen, on this stage, talented, hard-working people, from different backgrounds with different points of view, and it changes the game,” she said. “DEI is not a threat. It’s a gift.”
Other major wins:
Song of the Year: Not Like Us – Kendrick Lamar
Record of the Year: Not Like Us – Kendrick Lamar
Best Pop Solo Performance: Espresso – Sabrina Carpenter
Best Pop Vocal Album: Short n’ Sweet – Sabrina Carpenter
Best Pop Dance Recording: Von Dutch – Charli XCX
Best Dance/Electronic Album: Brat – Charli XCX
Best Country Song: The Architect – Kacey Musgraves
Best Country Duo/Group Performance: II Most Wanted – Beyoncé featuring Miley Cyrus
Best R&B Song: Saturn – SZA
Best Latin Pop Album: Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran – Shakira
Best Rap Performance: Not Like Us – Kendrick Lamar
Best Rock Album: Hackney Diamonds – The Rolling Stones
Best Music Video: Not Like Us – Kendrick Lamar
Producer of the Year, Non-Classical: Daniel Nigro
Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical: Amy Allen
For the full list of winners, read here.
