After a series of nominations without a win, Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” has finally won the Album of the Year at the 2025 Grammy Awards, marking a significant milestone in her illustrious career. In her victory speech, Beyoncé expressed heartfelt gratitude, reflecting on the journey, “I just feel very full and very honored. It’s been many, many years,” acknowledging her long-awaited triumph at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
This win is especially poignant following her husband, Jay-Z’s remarks at last year’s ceremony, critiquing the Grammys for overlooking Beyoncé’s previous nominations despite her extensive Grammy accolades. Beyoncé led this year’s nominations with a record-breaking 11 nods, adding three more Grammys to her collection, elevating her total to an unprecedented 35.
Noteworthy Performances and Tributes
Among the highlights, Kendrick Lamar swept five awards, including Record and Song of the Year for “Not Like Us,” just a week before his Super Bowl performance. Billie Eilish delivered a hometown ode with “Birds of a Feather,” a performance that resonated deeply with her Los Angeles roots, set against visuals of the San Gabriel Mountains and her childhood haunts in Eaton Canyon.
Chappell Roan, crowned Best New Artist, dazzled with “Pink Pony Club,” a performance that turned the Grammy stage into a vibrant carousel of color and energy, celebrating the spirit of West Hollywood.
Surprises and Snubs
Taylor Swift, a notable contender, left empty-handed, her album “The Tortured Poets Department” overlooked amid stiff competition. Meanwhile, the evening also saw powerful collaborations, including Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’s rendition of “California Dreamin’,” showcasing their dynamic chemistry and further solidifying their status as a formidable duo in the music industry.
Tributes and Mixed Reactions
The Grammys also paid homage to the late Quincy Jones, with mixed reactions to the tribute performance. While some moments soared, others fell flat, notably questioning the inclusion of certain performers who didn’t seem to fit the musical narrative being honored.
A Night of Highs and Lows
The ceremony had its share of less stellar moments, with The Weeknd’s comeback performance receiving a lukewarm response, overshadowed by more memorable acts of the night. Furthermore, the choice to have Dawes open the show was met with criticism, their rendition of “I Love L.A.” seen as underwhelming despite the emotional intent behind the performance, intended as a tribute to the victims of the recent LA wildfires.