2025 Grammy Awards were a testament to music’s ability to inspire change
Featuring breathtaking performances and calls to action, the music awards show transcended mere entertainment
Art by Claudia Culley.
Music’s biggest night arrived in Los Angeles just weeks after the city’s devastating wildfires, but the Grammy Awards embraced the moment as a tribute to resilience and recovery, blending celebration with heartfelt calls to action.
Host Trevor Noah set the tone early, declaring the night a testament to survival. That sentiment echoed throughout the evening, with powerful speeches, moving tributes, and electrifying performances reinforcing music’s ability to unite and heal.
Beyoncé finally claimed the elusive Grammy for Album of the Year for Cowboy Carter, a genre-defying body of work that redefined industry norms. Presented by members of the L.A. Fire Department, her win carried extra significance as the city continues to recover. Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish, visibly emotional, watched on as Beyoncé accepted the award alongside her daughter, Blue Ivy.
Eilish performed “Birds of a Feather” against a backdrop of childhood photos, while Gaga and Bruno Mars’ haunting rendition of “California Dreamin’” was paired with images of displaced families. Though somber at times, the night was ultimately a rallying cry for hope and rebuilding.
Noah’s effortless hosting balanced humour and sincerity, keeping the night meaningful and entertaining. The acceptance speeches also carried extra weight. Doechii, the third woman to win Best Rap Album, reflected on her struggles with sobriety and urged Black women to embrace their worth. Beyoncé called on artists to break free from industry-imposed limitations and follow their passions.
Chappell Roan’s speech, however, was the most defiant. After winning Best New Artist, she set her trophy at her feet and issued a bold challenge to record labels, demanding fair wages and health care for artists.
Roan, who lost her first record deal after embracing a bold, queer pop sound, has built a career on authenticity, rejecting traditional industry expectations. Her theatrical aesthetic and unfiltered approach stand in stark contrast to the polished, calculated image of mainstream stars like Taylor Swift. Her Grammy moment was a striking assertion of power in an industry notorious for exploiting its talent.
Politics and social issues took centre stage as well. Shakira dedicated her award to immigrants, Gaga defended LGBTQ+ rights, and Alicia Keys championed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), asserting, “DEI is not a threat, it’s a gift.”
The performances were just as impactful as the speeches. Best New Artist nominee Raye delivered a stunning rendition of “Oscar Winning Tears.,” cementing her status as a rising star.
In a tribute to Quincy Jones, Will Smith introduced a breathtaking performance of “Fly Me to the Moon” by Cynthia Erivo, joined by Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, and Lainey Wilson. The segment honoured Jones’s lasting contributions to music, including his work on “We Are the World.”
Shakira delivered a performance that left audiences in awe, proving once again that her energy and stage presence remain unparalleled.
In a year of hardship, the Grammy Awards transcended mere entertainment, serving as a testament to resilience, community, and music’s profound ability to inspire change. More than just a celebration of artists, the night was a reminder that in times of struggle, music offers hope and the unwavering belief that better days are ahead.
