The 67th Grammy Awards were held on Feb. 2 at the Crypto.com Arena, bringing together music’s biggest night with a stream of iconic performances, tributes, big wins, and rebuilding efforts in response to the Los Angeles wildfires. Comedian and former host of “The Daily Show” Trevor Noah hosted the Grammys for the fifth year in a row.
Noah’s opening speech was dedicated to people affected by the fires. He reiterated that donations could be made through the QR code on the screen and encouraged everyone in attendance to do so as well.
The ads from the show this year also highlighted local LA businesses and had a segment showing the devastating effects of the fires and the fight to stop them.
The show started with a performance of “I Love L.A.” by Dawes, who were affected by the fires. Further performances from the night included “California Dreamin’” performed by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, “Birds of a Feather” by Billie Eilish, “Von Dutch” and “Guess” by Charli XCX, “Ojos Asi” and “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53” by Shakira after her win for Best Latin Pop Album, and “All My Love” by Coldplay in memoriam of those in music who unfortunately passed in 2024.
The Best New Artist medley during the middle section of the show included performances from Benson Boone, Doechii, Teddy Swims, Raye, Shaboozey, Sabrina Carpenter, and Chappell Roan. The Weeknd also gave a surprise performance of “Timeless” and “Cry for Me” after four years of boycotting the Grammys.
This year also included a tribute to the late producer Quincy Jones, featuring a performance of “Fly Me to The Moon” sung by Cynthia Erivo and piano played by Herbie Hancock. Lainey Wilson sang “Let the Good Times Roll,” with Stevie Wonder playing the harmonica to “We Are the World.” The tribute concluded with a performance of Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop ’Till You Get Enough” by Janelle Monáe.
The categories in the Grammy’s were truly stacked with top contenders this year. The first award of the night went to Sabrina Carpenter for her triumphant album “Short n’ Sweet,” winning Best Pop Vocal Album. Doechii won Best Rap Album and was one of three women to do so, following Lauryn Hill’s “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” and Cardi B’s “Invasion of Privacy.”
Chappell Roan won the coveted Best New Artist Award, speaking on artist rights and how new music artists should get support from the industry in securing a livable wage and healthcare. Beyoncé won Best Country Album for “Cowboy Carter,” presented in a full-circle moment by Taylor Swift. Beyoncé also went viral for her surprised reaction to the win.
Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars snagged Best Pop/Duo Performance for “Die with a Smile.” Gaga ended her speech stating, “Trans people are not invisible. Trans people deserve love. The queer community deserves to be lifted up.” She also debuted the second single from her upcoming album, “Mayhem,” called “Abracadabra.” This song debuted with a music video in partnership with a Mastercard ad.
Kendrick Lamar swept the Record of the Year and Song of the Year categories for his song “Not Like Us.” Alicia Keys was this year’s recipient of the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award and used her speech to appreciate the diverse nature of music.
The last and most awaited award of the night, Album of the Year, was awarded to Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter,” which was well-deserved since many of her past albums had not secured the award. She was presented with this award by the LA firefighters and thanked them in her speech, bringing the Grammy Awards to a close.Top of FormBottom of Form
