Grammys 2025 live updates: The 67th Grammy Awards takes over Los Angeles
Key points
The Grammy Awards is the most prestigious night in American music in the calendar year. The biggest stars on the planet are set to congregate at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles to celebrate the last 12 months, with performances lined up from pop superstars such as Charli XCX and Chappell Roan.
So far, dozens of awards have already been handed out to artists during the Premiere Ceremony, including The Beatles picking up the prize for ‘Best Rock Performance’ with ‘Now and Then’, and Sabrina Carpenter earning her first Grammy. However, the main ceremony is not yet underway, which is when the main awards are announced.
Thanks for following the Grammy’s with Far Out
It’s been a pleasure covering the Grammy’s tonight and providing coverage of the biggest night in American music, thanks for being with Far Out every step of the way throughout the night.
There’s been many memorable moments, whether this is the heartfelt tribute to Quincy Jones or the emotional ‘In Memoriam’ segment honouring those we have lost, but most importantly, the Grammy’s was a reminder of how music can bring people together.
Los Angeles is a city in mourning, and the Grammy’s tastefully ensured this was at the heart of the ceremony. Lives have been lost, homes and schools have been burned, yet, if it wasn’t for the heroic firefighters, then the damage could have been even more heartbreaking. They are the true rockstars.
More than $7 million has been raised, and if you can spare any change, then do visit MusiCares to help with their noble cause.
Beyoncé wins ‘Album of the Year’
After previously winning ‘Best Country Album’, Beyoncé has rounded off her history-making evening by taking home ‘Album of the Year’ and extending her lead as the artist with the most Grammys in history.
When Beyoncé revealed she had made a country album, it was initially derided by some people, but with Cowboy Carter, she has proved her doubters wrong and showed there’s nothing that she can’t do in music.
Remarkably, despite having more than 30 Grammys to her name, this is the first time she has won ‘Album of the Year’.
The LA Fire Department to present major award
For ‘Album of the Year’, the Los Angeles Fire Department, who have earned hero status for their exploits in the last month and have saved countless lives, will be handing out the honour which is thoroughly deserved.
Ultimately, their work is more vital than any album has been over the last 12 months, and they rightfully earned the biggest applause of the night.
Charli XCX brings ‘Brat’ to the Grammys
Throughout her career, Charli XCX has always been one step ahead of trends which has often allowed others to take the plaudits for her pioneering instincts. Now, that has all changed and she turned the Grammys into a warehouse rave tonight by beginning the set in style with ‘Von Dutch’.
It’s not a typical Grammys set, but then again Charli isn’t your average pop artist, and tonight, she finally showed she was more than deserving of closing the biggest awards night in music. She also brought all of her friends together to party on stage, including The Dare, who nonchalantly stood there while Charli gave the performance of her life.
Kendrick Lamar wins ‘Song of the Year’
After winning ‘Record of the Year’ already with ‘Not Like Us’, Kendrick Lamar has just made his Grammys haul even sweeter by picking up ‘Song of the Year’. In a hotly contested category, Lamar beat competition from Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan and Taylor Swift.
“There’s nothing more powerful than rap music,” Lamar said during his speech, which seems to have been proven by him scooping up two major awards with ‘Not Like Us’ tonight. When Kendrick released the diss track, he likely didn’t imagine it would be celebrated at the Grammys, but it’s a testament to his Midas touch.
Queen Latifah honours Alicia Keys
After winning ‘Best Musical Theater Album’ earlier tonight which marked the 17th Grammy of her career, Alicia Keys has now been honoured by her longtime friend Queen Latifah with the ‘Dr Dre Global Impact Award’.
In addition to her musical career, Latifah also highlighted Keys’ huge charitable work which has helped women break into music and described the singer-songwriter as a “global inspiration”.
Keys used her speech to thank Dr Dre for giving her the courage to follow her creative instincts and to highlight the powerful work made by female producers like herself, which doesn’t get the credit it deserves. Additionally, she said regarding divisive tactics used by the Trump administration, “DEI is not a threat; it’s a gift”.
Waka Waka, welcome Shakira
After winning ‘Best Latin Pop Album’ earlier tonight with Mujeres Ya No Lloran, Shakira has now taken to the stage and explained why she remains the most eminent Latin superstar of the 21st century.
In a video, which was aired before she performed, Shakira explained the fight she had to receive radio play in America during her early career. Thankfully, as Shakira acknowledged, this has now changed and Spanish-language music is rightfully getting the recognition it deserves in English-speaking countries.
Kendrick Lamar wins ‘Record of the Year’
Kendrick Lamar has won ‘Record of the Year’ for ‘Not Like Us’, which must finally make him the official winner of his beef with Drake. In his emotional speech, Lamar paid tribute to his Auntie who passed away yesterday and dedicated the Grammy to the people of Los Angeles.
While it looked like Sabrina Carpenter or Billie Eilish would be victorious in this category, ‘Not Like Us’ was the song that got people talking more than any other, and captured millions of imaginations in 2024.
Liam Payne remembered
Following the tragic death of One Direction’s Liam Payne in October, Chris Martin paid his respects to Payne during the ‘In Memoriam’ section along with other artists who’ve sadly died such as Kris Kristofferson and John Mayall.
A video montage of Payne was played to the crowd before Martin began playing, and it was a stark reminder of a precious life that was lost painfully too soon.
Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars win ‘Best Pop Duo/Group Performance’
After wowing the crowd with their delightful cover of the Mamas and Papas’ ‘California Dreamin’, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars have now won ‘Best Pop Duo/Group Performance’ for ‘Die With A Smile’.
More vitally, Gaga also expressed her support for the transgender and LGBTQ+ community in light of executive orders made by President Trump, stating, “Trans people are not invisible”, which was met to mass applause.
Janelle Monáe is Michael Jackson reincarnated
Anyone who saw Janelle Monáe strut her stuff at the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury last year is aware that she’s one of the greatest performers that is currently operating, which she confirmed at the Grammys by covering ‘Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough’ and moonwalking like Michael Jackson was reincarnated.
Trying to cover ‘The King of Pop’ is impossible for most to succeed at doing, but Monáe isn’t your typical artist. Star power is pouring out of the singer’s veins, and she rose to the occasion on the biggest stage. Mesmeric.
Stevie Wonder pays tribute to Quincy Jones
Stevie Wonder is a musical entertainer of the highest calibre, and seeing him perform alongside Herbie Hancock will warm the hearts of even the most cold-blooded individual.
Notably, Wonder and Jones worked together on the hit charity single ‘We Are The World’ in 1985, which raised vital funds for Ethopia. Prior to performing the song at the Grammys, Wonder reiterated this point and used it as an example of music helping to make the world a tangibly better place.
Jacob Collier and Lainey Wilson honour Quincy Jones
On paper, a collaboration between Jacob Collier and Lainey Wilson sounds like it shouldn’t work. Yet, her delectable Southern drawl works beautifully against the backdrop of Collier’s jazz and the brass band joining them on stage.
Wilson may have lost out to Beyoncé in the category for ‘Best Country Album’, but this performance of ‘Let The Good Times Roll’ was a masterclass and a delight to witness.
The Grammys pays tribute to Quincy Jones
Will Smith has arrived at an awards show, but thankfully, he’s on his best behaviour to lead the tribute to Quincy Jones, who he said “changed” his life forever. In his career, Jones won a staggering 28 Grammy Awards, and worked with everyone from Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson.
In tribute to his work with Sinatra, Cynthia Erivo and Herbie Hancock combined to cover ‘Fly Me To The Moon’. A beautiful homage to two musical greats who’ll be enjoying a whiskey together upstairs and watching down on this performance with a beaming smile.
Shakira wins ‘Best Latin Pop Album’
Jennifer Lopez has awarded Shakira with the award for ‘Best Latin Pop Album’ thanks to her album, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran. For 20 years, Shakira has been the world’s biggest Latin pop superstar, and despite rising stars coming for her throne, such as Anitta, nobody has come close.
Shakira used her speech to spread love to her “immigrant brothers and sisters” which feels very appropriate considering the recent rhetoric around immigration in the United States.
The Weeknd delivers surprise performance of ‘Cry for Me’ and ends Grammys boycott
Nobody was expecting this one.
The Weeknd may have previously made himself persona non grata with the Recording Academy, but thankfully, they’ve now put an end to the feud. His performance of ‘Cry for Me’ is an ideal opportunity to celebrate the release of his new album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, which I’d expect to win several Grammys in 2026.
Harvey Mason Jr addresses the room and brings out The Weeknd
Harvey Mason Jr, who has been the CEO of the Recording Academy since 2020, has addressed complaints regarding the institution, including by The Weeknd who previously boycotted the ceremony due to his issues with the voting process.
Mason Jr explained how they have introduced measures to improve diversity and equality since the beginning of his tenure while owning up to mistakes made in the past by the Recording Academy before introducing The Weeknd.
[Link]Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars pay tribute to Los Angeles
Following the devastating Los Angeles wildfires last month, which have caused thousands to lose their homes and cost 28 lives, Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga put on a united front to perform a heartfelt cover of ‘California Dreaming’.
While they could have played their hit collaboration, ‘Die With a Smile’, this choice of song was more fitting and spoke on behalf of Los Angeles at this current dark moment in the city’s history.
Chappell Roan wins ‘Best New Artist’
Chappell Roan has won ‘Best New Artist’, beating competition from the likes of Raye, Sabrina Carpenter and Benson Boone.
In her speech, she spoke about the importance for record labels to do more to help artists and spoke from experience about not being able to afford health insurance after being dropped during the Covid-19 pandemic. Rather than making the moment about her, Roan used the stage to speak for those who don’t have a voice.
Raye is a soul queen
Everybody in the United Kingdom already knows that Raye is a star, but this vintage performance at the Grammys hopefully makes the wider world wake up to her brilliance. She bravely turned her back on the major label system to make it on her own terms and fulfil her artistic potential.
A mesmeric talent which could truly thrive in any era. Watch her perform ‘Oscar Winning Tears’ below.
The ‘Best New Artist’ showcase continues
Teddy Swims took to the stage to provide a soulful rendition of ‘Lose Control’, and now, Shaboozey is making everybody want to dance until their heart is content with ‘Tipsy (A Bar Song)’.
The track unexpectedly became a huge hit last year, topping the charts for several weeks in the United States and plucked Shaboozey from obscurity to superstardom. A year ago, nobody knew his name, yet, they certainly do now following that performance.
[Link]Doechii o’clock
After winning ‘Best Rap Album’ and delivering the best speech of the night so far, Doechii has now proved that she raps even better than she speaks. A true hip-hop icon is in the making, and the sky truly is the limit for her talents.
Billie Eilish’s face at the end of the performance said it all, Doechii is the women of the hour, and left the whole building amazed by her greatness.
Benson Boone is bringing the boon
Benson Boone began his performance of ‘Beautiful Things’ at the table before serenading celebrity guests and arriving on stage via backflip. His breakthrough hit was one of the biggest tracks of last year, and Boone is lapping up his moment in the sun at the Grammys.
He’s certainly the most capable at backflips and has a booming voice, but whether he’s victorious for ‘Best New Artist’ remains to be seen.
Khruangbin perform
As they are nominated for ‘Best New Artist’, Khruangbin briefly took to the stage for a performance at the Grammys, which was far too short but extremely enjoyable nonetheless.
Beyoncé wins ‘Best Country Album’
With Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé has won ‘Best Country Album’ for the first time. “I was really not expecting this, I want to thank God that I’m able to still do what I love after so many years,” she said with a look of amazement on her face.
While Beyoncé has won the most Grammys in history, this feels extremely significant due to it being ‘Best Country Album’. In her speech, Beyoncé spoke out against the concept of genre and encouraged other artists to make whatever music they choose rather than allowing themselves to be pigeon-holed.
Taylor Swift is here
While she may win major awards later in the ceremony, Taylor Swift has arrived to present ‘Best Country Album’. In her speech, she reflected on winning the award 15 years ago and paid homage to Johnny Cash, Shania Twain, and The Chicks, who previously won it also.
[Link]Chappell Roan performs ‘Pink and Pony Club’
Before taking to the stage, a video package played, featuring Chappell Roan discussing how Los Angeles allowed herself to feel free and accepted, which inspired ‘Pink Pony Club.’
Considering recent events, the love letter to LA was a fitting way for Roan to open her performance. For the set, she’s spared no expense and looks like she belongs to play on the biggest of stages. This is what a star looks and sounds like.
Olivia Rodrigo to introduce Chappell Roan
Although Olivia Rodrigo won’t be performing herself tonight, she is about to appear to introduce Chappell Roan, which should be a show-stopping performance. Get ready for The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, Roan is about to bring the roof down at the Crypto.com Arena.
Sabrina Carpenter wins ‘Best Pop Vocal Album’
Sabrina Carpenter’s night has just got even better. She has beaten the likes of Taylor Swift and Chappell Roan to win ‘Best Pop Vocal Album’. In her emotive speech, Carpenter thanked everyone from her parents to her fans, and appeared shocked to have been victorious.
Although she did accidentally say “hell” on three occasions, which Carpenter apologised profusely for, I think she deserves to say whatever she likes after such a significant victory.
Red Hot Chili Peppers arrive to present award
Los Angeles heroes Anthony Kiedis and Chad Smith from the Red Hot Chili Peppers are on-stage to deliver the award for ‘Best Pop Vocal Album’. They have also paid a poignant tribute to the “lot of heartbreak and tears” caused by the wildfires in Los Angeles, as well as celebrated the community spirit expressed by the residents.
[Link]Doechii wins ‘Best Rap Album’
Rapper Doechii has been ‘Best Rap Album’ for Alligator Bites Never Heal. Doechii, who has enjoyed a year to remember, also delivered a powerful speech straight from the heart, and the moment clearly means everything to the rising star who touched the souls of everybody in the room.
Staggeringly, Doechii is only the third woman to win ‘Best Rap Album’ in Grammys history, which is a damning statistic. Nevertheless, she is surrounded by the great company of Lauryn Hill and Cardi B in this exclusive club.
She is also nominated for ‘Best New Artist’ and is set to face competition from the likes of Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter in that category.
It’s Sabrina time
After winning her first Grammy earlier in the night, Sabrina Carpenter has risen to the occasion by performing ‘Please, Please, Please’ at the Grammys, and bringing out all the stops to prove her pop star credentials.
An incredible start to the night
Well, it’ll take a lot for any artist to better that performance tonight. Billie Eilish and Finneas just ensured that goosebumps can be felt across America.
Billie Eilish performs ‘Birds of a Feather’
Billie Eilish is only 23, as Trevor Noah reminded audiences, yet, she’s already cemented her place in Grammys history. Her performance of ‘Birds of a Feather’, which could win ‘Song of the Year’, was the perfect way to start the night.
As a Los Angeles hometown hero, having Eilish kickstart the evening felt appropriate in light of recent circumstances, and she made her city proud with the performance.
Trevor Noah opens the show
While the Grammys is a daunting prospect for any host, Trevor Noah is doing it for the fifth time now and is incredibly cool and composed in the role. He’s given props to Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Lady Gaga, while having fun at the expense of the new administration.
Most importantly, Noah used his platform to speak about the communities hit by the Los Angeles wildfires, which ultimately matters more than any award.
It’s almost showtime
After months of anticipation, the wait is almost over, and the Grammys are set to get underway for the 67th time. In light of recent events in Los Angeles and the devastating wildfires, the Grammys is more than just a music awards ceremony tonight; it’s an opportunity to unite people during a time of hardship.
Who is nominated for ‘Album of the Year’?
The biggest award of the night is ‘Album of the Year’, which is a prize that is perceived to be the pinnacle regarding musical achievements. This year, Billie Eilish is hoping to win the award for the second occasion with Hit Me Hard and Soft, but every nominated artist will believe they have a chance of victory.
Following ‘Brat Summer’ capturing the cultural zeitgeist, Charli XCX should also be considered a strong contender, as should Chappell Roan’s The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, and who can count out Taylor Swift? However, at the end of the night, there will only be one winner.
See the nominees below.
Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft
Chappell Roan – The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess
Charli XCX – Brat
Jacob Collier – Djesse Vol. 4
Sabrina Carpenter – Short n’ Sweet
Taylor Swift – The Tortured Poets Department
Who are presenting awards at the 67th Grammys?
On January 31st, the Recording Academy confirmed Taylor Swift would be presenting an award. Prior to the announcement of her as a presenter, Swift was revealed to be in attendance for the prestigious event, but it was not stated in what capacity it would be.
In addition to presenting at the Grammys, Swift is also nominated in a series of key categories for her latest album, The Tortured Poets Department, which is one of the contenders to win ‘Album of the Year’ alongside Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft and Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter.
Other presenters at the Grammys are Gloria Estefan, Will Smith, Cardi B, Queen Latifah, SZA, Olivia Rodrigo, Red Hot Chili Peppers duo Anthony Kiedis and Chad Smith, and Victoria Monét. It’s truly a star-studded affair in Los Angeles tonight.
Sabrina Carpenter wins her first Grammy
All eyes are on Sabrina Carpenter at the Grammys tonight, and she could leave the Crypto.com Arena with the biggest prizes of the night. Notably, her breakthrough album, Short n Sweet, is shortlisted for ‘Album of the Year’, and Carpenter is also nominated for ‘Best New Artist’, ‘Song of the Year’, and ‘Record of the Year’.
At the Premiere Ceremony, she won ‘Best Pop Solo Performance’ for the hit single ‘Espresso’, marking the first Grammy of her career. The song is also nominated for ‘Record of the Year’, and it’ll be a major surprise if Carpenter doesn’t win another huge award before the night is done.
The Rolling Stones win ‘Best Rock Album’
With the Grammys, most of the awards, including ‘Best Rock Album,’ are revealed prior to the main ceremony at the Premiere Ceremony. The Rolling Stones beat Fontaines DC, Jack White, Idles, Green Day and Pearl Jam to the top prize with their 2023 record Hackney Diamonds.
Despite their veteran status, The Stones’ victory shows that there is life left in the old dog yet. However, Fontaines DC and Jack White can feel particularly hard done by to have not won ‘Best Rock Album’ considering the strength of their respective releases, Romance and No Name.
Who is performing at the Grammys?
Significantly, Charli XCX, who has been nominated for seven awards, is set to take to the stage to showcase Brat, which could steal the show. The Recording Academy also previously shared that Sabrina Carpenter, Billie Eilish, and Chappell Roan would be performing at the illustrious ceremony.
Other names set to perform include Doechii, Raye, Benson Boone, Teddy Swims and Shakira.
Meanwhile, Wicked star Cynthia Erivo, who triumphed at the Grammys in 2017 by picking up ‘Best Musical Theatre Album’, is also set to perform and revealed to the Grammys on the red carpet she’s set to sing ‘Fly Me To The Moon’.
Meet the Grammy’s host, Trevor Noah
For the fifth consecutive year, South African comedian Trevor Noah is on hosting duties for the Grammys. While it’s a difficult role to navigate due to the sheer star power that fills up the building, Noah has thrived as host, and seemingly, we’ll continue returning every year for as long as he wishes.
Speaking to Variety ahead of the ceremony in 2024, Noah said of the biggest challenges of hosting the Grammys: “I know this sounds like a weird thing to say, but you don’t want to disappoint the artists that you love. Like, I cannot imagine what it would be like to tell a joke and turn and see Beyonce going [shakes his head and scowls].”
Welcome to the 67th Grammy Awards
Evening all, wherever in the world you are, it’s Joe here. I’m Far Out’s News Editor, and will be on hand to guide you through the Grammys as it gets underway tonight in Los Angeles.
As always, the Grammys are expected to provide plentiful twists and turns throughout the ceremony. Despite being based in the United Kingdom, the power of black coffee will power me through the night to ensure Far Out covers the biggest night of music.
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