Yara Zlam ‘26

REPORTER

The 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards showcased a remarkable blend of talent, unexpected victories, and memorable moments that have left a strong impression on the music industry and music enthusiasts throughout the world. To start, 2025 Super Bowl halftime show performer and Pulitzer Prize winner Kendrick Lamar dominated the night, winning all five of his nominations for the song “Not Like Us,” including Record of the Year and Song of the Year. The song, a diss track aimed at Drake that emerged from their long-running feud, quickly became a cultural phenomenon. These accomplishments make the track the most decorated song in GRAMMY history, and these wins further reinforced Lamar’s position as one of the most important voices in modern music.

Furthermore, as predicted, Chappell Roan emerged as the Best New Artist. Her unique style and passionate performances are like nothing seen before, setting the stage for a promising career ahead. In recent history, winning Best New Artist has set the stage for successful careers for past winners like Billie Eilish, Megan Thee Stallion, and Olivia Rodrigo. Roan’s win also signifies the rise of alternative and indie-influenced pop musicians gaining mainstream recognition, which has become a trend in recent years.

Moreover, Beyoncé won the Album of the Year award for Cowboy Carter, which was a landmark achievement as she became the fourth Black woman to win this category. Despite being the winningest artist in GRAMMY history, Beyoncé had never secured this particular award despite several nominations over the years. This victory not only marked her first win in this prestigious category but also made her the first Black woman to receive the award since Lauryn Hill in 1999. Additionally, this album highlights the versatility of her discography, as she also took home the award for Best Country Album, also a first for her. This win was not merely a personal achievement for Beyoncé, but also a broad cultural statement. Beyoncé’s win, while controversial, pushed the boundaries of country music, a genre historically dominated by white artists.

While not a GRAMMY win, Olivia Rodrigo and Sabrina Carpenter's public reconciliation at the ceremony became a viral moment. After years of speculation about a feud, the two singers embraced and interacted at the event in a heartwarming moment. Ultimately, the 2025 Grammys not only served as a means of recognizing pivotal work from artists, but also redefining music and the music industry.