The 2025 Grammy Awards saw Beyoncé make history with a win for Best Country Album for her project Cowboy Carter. The album, which was also nominated for the night’s highest honor, Album of the Year, marked another milestone for the artist who now boasts 33 career wins, the most by any musician. Despite her previous success, this is Beyoncé’s first Grammy in the country category.
Indian-American vocalist Chandrika Tandon also celebrated a major achievement, winning the Grammy for Best New Age, Ambient or Chant Album for Triveni. Tandon’s victory was notable as she triumphed over fierce competition, including Ricky Kej and Anoushka Shankar. She was awarded alongside her collaborators, South African flautist Wouter Kellerman and Japanese cellist Eru Matsumoto. Other contenders in the category included Break of Dawn by Ricky Kej, Opus by Ryuichi Sakamoto, Chapter II: How Dark It Is Before Dawn by Anoushka Shankar, and Warriors Of Light by Radhika Vekaria.
This year’s ceremony was a special one, not only recognizing musical achievements but also serving as a fundraiser for those impacted by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles. The devastating fires, which had taken 29 lives and displaced thousands, were contained just days before the event. The Grammy Awards, broadcast live on CBS, paid tribute to the city with an opening performance of I Love LA featuring the band Dawes, with support from John Legend, Brad Paisley, St. Vincent, and Brittany Howard.
Host Trevor Noah emphasized the dual purpose of the evening: “Tonight, we decided we are not just celebrating our favorite music. We are also celebrating the city that brought us so much of that music.”
Los Angeles natives Billie Eilish and Finneas followed Noah’s monologue with a performance of their nominated song Birds of a Feather, with Eilish sharing a heartfelt “I love you LA” from the stage.
In other notable wins, Sabrina Carpenter took home the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album for Short n’ Sweet, moments after a performance on a set inspired by the golden age of Hollywood. Carpenter, overwhelmed by the win, said, “This is my first Grammy so I’m going to cry.”
Doechii made history as the third woman ever to win Best Rap Album for Alligator Bites Never Heal. During her acceptance speech, Doechii encouraged Black women and girls to break barriers, saying, “Anything is possible. Don’t allow anyone to project any stereotypes on you.”
The Grammy winners are selected by the 13,000 members of the Recording Academy, including singers, songwriters, producers, and engineers.
