2025 Grammy Awards: 8 Unforgettable Moments That Stole the Show
Everyone is talking about the 2025 Grammy Awards.
Music's biggest night, hosted by Trevor Noah in Los Angeles, CA, was filled with unforgettable performances, history-making wins, and moments that sparked conversations both on and off the stage.
One of the most anticipated moments of the night was the powerful tribute to the legendary Quincy Jones, a visionary whose influence spans generations. Jones passed away on Nov. 3 at his home in LA. He was 91 years old. The stage was also set for Kendrick Lamar, who dominated that night as he walked away with some of the ceremony’s most coveted awards.
With so many must-see moments, here are seven highlights from the 2025 Grammys that had the world talking.
Kendrick Lamar's sweep with “Not Like Us”
Kendrick Lamar dominated the night, winning five awards, including Record and Song of the Year, for his track “Not Like Us.” This marked the second time a rapper had won both categories, following Childish Gambino's win in 2019.
Quincy Jones Tribute
The late Quincy Jones was honored with a star-studded tribute introduced by Academy Award winner Will Smith, who referred to Jones as “a mentor, friend, and father figure.”
The performance featured legends like Herbie Hancock, who delivered an improvised rendition of his own piece, “Killer Joe,” while backing Cynthia Erivo in a smooth yet dynamic take on “Fly Me to the Moon,” which transitioned into a lively big-band swing. He later teamed up with Stevie Wonder on harmonica for a soulful duet of “Bluesette.”
Janelle Monáe, celebrated Jones's immense contributions to the music industry and paid full homage to Michael Jackson, moon-walking to “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough.”
Doechii's Best Rap Album victory
Florida-based rapper Doechii made history by winning Best Rap Album for her mixtape “Alligator Bites Never Heal,” becoming only the third woman to win in this category since its inception in 1989.
In her emotional speech, the TDE signee acknowledged previous female winners, Lauryn Hill and Cardi B, the latter of which presented the award.
“I know that there is some Black girl out there, so many Black women out there, that were watching me right now and I want to tell you. Anything is possible,” she said. “Don’t allow anybody to project any stereotypes on you that tell you you can’t be here, that you’re too dark or that you’re not smart enough or that you’re too dramatic or you’re too loud. You are exactly who you need to be to be right where you are and I am a testimony.”
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Raye’s Stunning “Oscar Winning Tears” Performance
Best New Artist nominee Raye delivered one of the most breathtaking performances of the night. With a full strings and horns section backing her, the British-born singer performed an emotional rendition of her song “Oscar Winning Tears.”
Beyoncé’s historic Album of the Year win
After four previous nominations, Beyoncé received the coveted Album of the Year award for Cowboy Carter, making her only the fourth Black woman in history to receive this honor.
She also won Best Country Album and Best Country Duo/Group Performance with Miley Cyrus, becoming the first Black woman to win in these country categories.
The AP Issues Babyface an apology after its reporters cut his interview short for Chappell Roan
One of the night’s most awkward moments occurred on the red carpet when an Associated Press reporter abruptly cut off an interview with Babyface to speak with Chappell Roan. The exchange, which went viral, was widely criticized as disrespectful to the R&B legend.
The AP reporter has since apologized, with the outlet, writing on X, “We are deeply sorry for cutting our interview with Babyface short on our YouTube livestream of the Grammys red carpet. We have apologized to him through his representative and to our viewers on the livestream.”
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Alicia Keys’ Powerful Speech on Diversity and Inclusion
Alicia Keys was honored with the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award, presented by actress and rapper Queen Latifah. During her acceptance, she, the veteran singer-songwriter, took the opportunity to address the ongoing conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the music industry.
“This is not the time to shut down the diversity of voices. DEI is not a threat; it’s a gift,” she shared.