On February 2, 2025, Trevor Noah returned to host the 67th Grammy Awards at Crypto.com Arena, marking a night of historic wins, standout performances, and inevitable controversy. However, as the industry celebrated its biggest night, ongoing conversations about representation, bias, and the Grammys’ broader influence on pop culture took center stage.
Big Wins:
Album of The Year: “Cowboy Carter,” Beyoncé.
This year, amassing to her record collection of 35 Grammys, Beyoncé received the “Album of the Year” award. Her album, “Cowboy Carter,” has cemented her as the fourth black artist to receive this honor. Despite holding the record for most Grammy wins, Beyoncé had never claimed the top prize—until now. When her name was announced, her stunned reaction quickly went viral on social media, sparking debate over the historic win.
Song of the Year/Record of the Year: “Not Like Us,” Kendrick Lamar
As expected, Kendrick Lamar’s Drake diss-track, “Not Like Us”, won both Record of the Year and Song of the Year, piling onto his stack of five trophies from the night. Kendrick played clean throughout the Grammys, not mentioning his arguments with Drake in any of his speeches, instead giving his condolences to the fire in Palisades and Altadena. “This is a true testament that we can change and restore this city. Keep rocking,” said Lamar. Kendrick then listed off names of LA rappers and neighborhoods, showcasing his hometown pride for Compton as he accepted his award.
Best New Artist: Chappell Roan
Chappell Roan took home the Best New Artist Award, further cementing her rapidly growing success on the Billboard 200, Hot 100, and TikTok charts. Roan’s songs concentrate on queer romance and fame, and she accepted her award with a speech about access to affordable health care. Roan ended her acceptance speech by asking, “Labels, we got you, but do you got us?”, shedding light on how labels profit money off of developing artists.
Representation of LGBTQ+ Artists:
This year’s Grammy Awards saw outspoken advocacy from queer artists, most notably Chappell Roan and Lady Gaga, who spoke in support of the trans community. “Trans people are not invisible, they deserve to be lifted up. Music is love,” Roan stated. Furthermore, Roan’s performance made a statement against Trump’s recent restrictions of LGBTQ+ rights, underscoring the importance of protecting trans rights. Roan continued, calling out music labels for not encouraging upcoming artists. “I know how hard it is to be queer in the Midwest and the South… I really needed a place where people weren’t going to make fun of me for how I dressed or who I liked,” said Roan.
Criticism and controversy:
Despite the celebration, the Grammys have faced immense criticism over the years, particularly regarding the underrepresentation of certain genres and artists. Though this year’s celebration witnessed significant wins for rap and country fusion, concerns still seem to persist. Many argue that Latin music is still confined to its category rather than integrated into the main awards. There are additional concerns amongst music lovers that rock and alternative genres have been less prioritized than pop-heavy music. Though the Recording Academy has made strides in diversifying its voter base, many critics argue that true inclusivity means embracing a full spectrum of music.
Another ongoing criticism is genre bias and raging controversy over “stolen” wins. While Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter win for Album of the Year was historic, it also sparked a heated debate all over social media and beyond. Many fans and critics felt that other artists, for example, Billie Eilish, whose album “Hit Me Hard and Soft” dominated streaming charts and rankings, deserved the win instead. The debate over Beyoncé’s victory highlights deeper issues within the Grammys, specifically the Record Academy’s method of choosing winners. While Cowboy Carter was a genre-blending statement, some argue that the Grammys awarded it as a form of overdue recognition rather than for its objective musical impact. Others believe Beyoncé’s win reflects the Academy’s shifting priorities, favoring cultural milestones over critical consensus.
The 67th Grammy Awards delivered a night of celebration, activism, and debate, reflecting both the music industry’s progress and its flaws. Beyoncé’s Album of the Year win marked a historic moment, yet it brought about discussions about the Grammys’ long-standing biases and the weight of industry politics in determining winners. Yet, as every Grammy night proves, the awards are more than just accolades—they shape careers and influence broader cultural conversations. With the ongoing scrutiny over genre representation and voting transparency, the Recording Academy faces the challenge of maintaining a pulse on an industry that is constantly redefining itself. Whether viewed as a prestigious honor or a source of contention, the Grammys continue to hold a unique grip on the music industry, proving that every win, loss, and moment of recognition carries weight far beyond the stage.
