On February 2, 2025, the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, hosted by comedian Trevor Noah, took place at the Crypto Arena in Los Angeles, California. With a total of 94 categories awarded throughout the day and into the night, the Grammys celebrated everything from ‘Best Album’ to ‘Best Children’s Song.’ This article will review the results from the “Big 4” categories. But first, it is important to gain some background as to how the Grammys work.
How do the Grammy Awards work?
The journey to nomination begins with an artist’s label submitting their work for consideration. The Recording Academy then reviews the submissions based on various criteria, including release date and some other factors, to determine eligibility for nomination.
Then, once nominated, Academy members vote for the winners in each category. The submission with the most votes in its category takes home the award.
But, what is the Recording Academy? Well, the Recording Academy is similar to a council of vetted music professionals, including artists, producers, and sound engineers. Dedicated solely to music, it differs from other academies like the one overseeing the Oscars.
Record Of The Year
Record of the year is an award that serves to recognize all people who worked on a recording of a single track, not just the songwriters or singer.
Nominees:
The Beatles – Now And Then
Beyoncé – Texas Hold ‘Em
Sabrina Carpenter – Espresso
Charli XCX – 360
Billie Eilish – Birds of a Feather
Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us
Chappell Roan – Good Luck, Babe!
Taylor Swift ft Post Malone – Fortnight
This award pushed Kendrick to 22 Grammys, now tied with Vince Gill of the Eagles, and the alternative rock group U2.
Album Of The Year
This award is awarded to the singer, songwriter and producer of the album.
Nominees:
André 3000 – New Blue Sun
Sabrina Carpenter – Short n’ Sweet
Charli XCX – Brat
Beyoncé – Cowboy Carter
Jacob Collier – Djesse Vol 4
Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft
Chappell Roan – The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess
Taylor Swift – The Tortured Poets Department
Winner: Beyoncé – Cowboy Carter
Beyoncé now has 35 Grammys to her name, 3 of which she was awarded this year, solidifying her as the artist with the most ever.
Song Of The Year
Different from Record Of The Year, the song of the year is dedicated just to the songwriting of a title.
Nominees:
Beyoncé – Texas Hold ‘Em
Sabrina Carpenter – Please Please Please
Billie Eilish – Birds Of A Feather
Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – Die With a Smile
Chappel Roan – Good Luck, Babe!
Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us
Shaboozey – A Bar Song (Tipsy)
Taylor Swift ft Post Malone – Fortnight
Winner: Kendrick Lamar – Not Like Us
This song that took just 30 minutes to produce stayed in the number one spot on the charts for 21 consecutive weeks, a new record for the Billboard Hot Rap category.
Best New Artist
This award is given to an artist on the rise. They do not necessarily need to be new to music, but new in terms of growing popularity.
Nominees:
Benson Boone
Sabrina Carpenter
Doechii
Chappell Roan
Khruangbin
Raye
Shaboozey
Teddy Swims
Winner: Chappell Roan
After Chappel Roan took the world by storm this summer, this was her first ever Grammy award. And in her speech she noted the struggles of artists and how record companies need to take better care of their artists.
In addition to these awards there are many many others as well. An especially controversial win this year was Beyonce winning ‘Best Country Album’. Sophie Smith, a sophmore offered, “ I listen to Beyonce, but I was surprised when she got ‘Best Country Album’, as she is new to that genre.”
Performances
The 2025 Grammys also had 11 live performances from artists such as Billie Eilish, The Weeknd, Shakira, and Chris Martin. A crowd favorite performance this year was delivered by ‘Best New Artist,’ Chappel Roan, who performed her song ‘Pink Pony Club.’ Ashley Sinkus, a sophomore at HHS described, “Chappel’s performance was by far my favorite this year. I think she is such a great performer and the energy she brought to the stage is undeniable.”
The Grammys is a super special night for music, and this year was definitely no exception.
