Rihanna Cruz, a freelance music and culture journalist, and Shamira Ibrahim, a culture writer and critic, dive into the highs and lows of the 2025 Grammy Awards. They discuss Beyonce's historic Album of the Year win, the unexpected outcomes that shook the genre landscape, and the powerful performances asserting artist welfare and social causes. The duo highlights the blend of established artists and newcomers while examining the Grammys' balance between celebration and sensitivity in light of community challenges, offering a nuanced take on music's biggest night.
Beyoncé's historic Grammy win for Album of the Year marks a long-overdue recognition of her extensive contributions to music.
Kendrick Lamar's sweeping success at the Grammys signifies rap's growing acceptance in prestigious awards, reflecting its cultural significance.
Deep dives
Beyoncé's Historic Grammy Win
Beyoncé finally won the Grammy for Album of the Year for her album 'Cowboy Carter,' marking a significant moment as it was her first win in this category despite being nominated multiple times. This accolade is considered long overdue, given her extensive contributions to music, culminating in a record 35 Grammy wins overall. The audience's reaction to her win highlighted a collective sense of relief and joy among her peers, reflecting the recognition she deserved for her artistic achievements. Additionally, she won Best Country Album and Best Country Duo Performance, showcasing the genre-spanning appeal of her work amidst a historically competitive Grammy landscape.
Kendrick Lamar's Grand Slam
Kendrick Lamar had an outstanding night at the Grammys, winning all five awards for which he was nominated, including Record and Song of the Year for 'Not Like Us.' His song, which started as a diss track, transformed into an anthem resonating deeply within Los Angeles culture, particularly in the context of rebuilding after recent wildfires. The overwhelming response in the audience during his wins illustrated not just his local significance but also his impact on contemporary music. His achievements this night symbolized a greater acceptance of rap within prestigious award circuits, setting the stage for an anticipated stadium tour.
Chapel Roan's Empowering Moment
Chapel Roan won the title of Best New Artist, an accolade that underscored her rapid rise in the music industry and the vibrant nature of new talent showcased at the Grammys. Her performance energized the audience and included heartfelt references to the struggles faced by emerging artists, highlighting the need for better industry support, particularly in terms of health insurance. Roan's speech resonated with many in attendance, reflecting a shared understanding of the challenges within the creative community. As she concluded with a direct call for labels to support their artists, it served as a powerful reminder of the importance of ethics in the industry.
We break down the winners, surprise shutouts and more from what's billed as "music's biggest night," courtesy of our friends at Pop Culture Happy Hour.