The 2025 Grammy Awards kicked off with a bang as Doechii took home the first televised award for best rap album for “Alligator Bites Never Heal.” In an emotional acceptance speech, Doechii expressed her gratitude for the honor, highlighting the significance of being only the third woman to win in this category.
The show opened on a somber note, acknowledging the devastating wildfires that have ravaged Los Angeles. Host Trevor Noah paid tribute to the resilience of the city and its first responders, setting the tone for a night that would celebrate both the music community and the spirit of LA.
Billie Eilish, a Los Angeles native, delivered a powerful performance of “Birds of a Feather” alongside her brother Finneas, paying homage to their hometown. The stage was set to resemble the mountains of Los Angeles, adding a personal touch to the performance.
The evening was filled with first-time winners, with artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Charli xcx, and Carin León taking home their inaugural Grammy awards. Amy Allen made history as the first woman to win songwriter of the year in the non-classical category, emphasizing the importance of songwriters in the music industry.
Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar were among the music giants recognized at the awards show, with Beyoncé winning her first award of the night for her collaboration with Miley Cyrus on “II Most Wanted.” Kendrick Lamar also had a successful night, winning multiple awards for his hit song “Not Like Us.”
As Los Angeles continues to recover from the wildfires, the Recording Academy has restructured the award show to benefit wildfire victims, raising nearly $5 million in aid through its MusiCares charity. The Grammys aimed to uplift the city and its residents, showcasing the resilience of the community.
Viewers can catch the Grammys live on CBS and Paramount+, with performances from a star-studded lineup including Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, and more. The show promises to be a night of celebration, honoring the best in music and paying tribute to the city of Los Angeles.
For more coverage of the 2025 Grammy Awards, visit www.apnews.com/GrammyAwards. Stay tuned for updates on the evening’s winners, performances, and memorable moments from music’s biggest night.
