It’s always exciting every February, when it’s time for the Grammys. While, yes, it’s always exciting to see your favorite artists win, I’m always the most excited for the fashion and live performances. This year’s ceremony certainly did not disappoint in any of those regards as the artists lucky enough to win this year were highly deserving. Thus, let’s review the 2025 Grammy Awards.
The Red Carpet
The looks from this year’s red carpet were a hit or miss for me, but I won’t discuss the outfits I didn’t like, as those are unnecessary criticisms that I’d prefer not to include in this article. There were quite a few celebrities who did, however, wear some exceptional pieces.
The first look of discussion is from Miss Sabrina Carpenter. That icy blue Jonathan Anderson gown felt perfect for the 1950s look she strives to encapsulate. The feathers and the bouncy, pinned up curls completed the Marilyn Monroe look, and it totally works for her. Not to mention, the multiple Chopard diamonds dangling off her back.
Shaboozey’s suit, designed by Glenn Martens, was a perfect balance of stylish and classy. The suit jacket was clean and polished, and the fringe was just the perfect amount. The accessories were clean and simple, and I always love to see a man on the red carpet in something other than a black suit.
Similarly, Omarion’s Alain Dupetit cream-colored suit draped in pearls and charms looked amazing. It was also clean and polished, with a minimal amount of flashy accessories to finish. Again, I love to see these men wearing something unique on the red carpet!
I’ll admit, as a Swiftie, I was nervous to see her outfit. It can be so hit or miss with her, but I was quite pleasantly surprised to see her red Vivianne Westwood minidress. Her hair looked brushed and styled, which doesn’t always seem to be the case (Sorry, Taylor). The “T” chain wrapped around her thigh was such a perfect reference to “Guilty As Sin,” a song off of her newest album. She looked fabulous!
Lastly, I want to mention how fabulous Alicia Keys looked in her Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda dress. While the dress is quite simple and plain, the gold corset and dramatic earrings elevate it to look gorgeous. Her makeup was clean and simple, and her hair was slicked back to the Gods and didn’t distract from the rest.
Live Performances
The live performances at the Grammys had to have been my favorite parts of the whole show. Everyone looked and sounded phenomenal, as I was engaged and excited for almost all of them.
Starting off strong, Chappell Roan’s performance of “Pink Pony Club” had my jaw on the floor. Not only did her outfit, makeup, and hair look fabulous, the giant fake pink pony was perfect. Her voice sounded identical to the studio recording, which is so impressive. The addition of clown makeup on the backup dancers just adds to how iconic this overall performance was.
Doechii’s mashup performance of “CATFISH” / “DENIAL IS A RIVER” was phenomenal. I hadn’t really listened to any of her stuff before I saw this performance, but her sheer energy was enough to convince me to listen. Her ability to captivate her audience was unreal, and she absolutely ate up that entire performance. “Go big or go home,” they say…
Charli XCX turned the stage into a “Brat” rave, which was probably the most on-brand thing she could’ve done. When the performance started and she wasn’t in the building, I knew it was going to be good. I didn’t personally love “Brat” as an album, as it’s not a genre I typically listen to, but you can’t deny how fun and iconic she is. I wanted to be on that stage dancing too!
As an honorable mention, I want to mention how beautiful of a voice Cynthia Erivo has. While the performance itself was a tribute and wasn’t meant to be a big production, I still think she deserves her flowers, since not many people can do what she can vocally.
The Ceremony
While I don’t usually pay much attention to who wins the actual awards, I developed some thoughts on it due to the huge influx of social media discussion on the matter. Social media platforms are often a dark place post-Grammys, as no one seems to be happy with the winners and all stan groups begin to attack.
I was extremely excited to see Chappell Roan win Best New Artist. I was rooting for either her or Sabrina Carpenter, and was so happy to see her get some recognition. I think she’s so talented and has worked so hard to achieve her dreams. Her album was a banger and her speech was inspiring. I think she deserves it!
I was also very pleased to see Sabrina Carpenter win the Best Pop Vocal Album award. I loved her vocals on “Short n’ Sweet” and thought the album was full of such catchy pop songs. Even though the album was indeed short, it was clear she put a lot of effort into it and is very proud of it. It was also exciting just to see her win her first Grammy!
I was not, however, pleased that Ariana Grande’s “Eternal Sunshine” was completely snubbed from any and all awards at the show. The songwriting, the production, the passion, and the pain were all present to make this album gorgeous. Her vocals sound better than ever (along with her enunciation) and I think it should’ve gotten some more credit.
Everyone seems to be upset about Beyoncé’s two wins — Best Country Album and Album of the Year. While I don’t typically listen to country music, I gave “Cowboy Carter” a listen after it was released. It wasn’t my favorite due to the genre, but the album itself was beautiful. The meaning behind the album is powerful and impactful, the writing was great, and the vocals were phenomenal. Beyoncé has been a solo artist for over 20 years, and has never won Album of the Year. I think she deserved that moment. While I wanted “THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT” to win, I can’t be mad about it losing to “Cowboy Carter.” Beyoncé deserved it.
2024 was a big year for music, and the competition was definitely tough. I think the 2025 Grammy Awards were an overall success. Everyone looked great, sounded great, and seemed happy to be there. I hope the 2026 Grammys will keep up that same energy, and I hope to see amazing new projects from all of the artists listed above and more!