The 67th Annual Grammy Awards, held on February 2, 2025, were filled with excitement and surprises for both artists and fans. Hosted at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, the ceremony showcased a dynamic mix of rising stars, established legends, and groundbreaking collaborations. Here’s a look at some of the most notable categories, winners, and how each artist earned their recognition at the 2025 Grammys.

Album of the Year: Cowboy Carter – Beyoncé
Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter caused a stir long before its official release. Combining country music with soulful R&B vocals, the album highlighted her incredible range like never before. From twangy guitar riffs to deep gospel influences, the album was able to bring together fans from two musical worlds that usually don’t mix. Critics called it her boldest work yet, and it quickly shot to the top of the charts, cementing her status as one of the most innovative artists in music. Beyoncé explained that the album was a way to blend her admiration for country storytelling with her Southern roots, pushing genre boundaries in a way only she could. This unique fusion played a big part in securing her win.

Song of the Year: “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” resonated deeply with listeners through its powerful lyrics and vivid storytelling. The track blends jazz-inspired instrumentals with modern hip-hop beats, offering a social and political message that felt both personal and universal. Lamar explained that he wrote the song in one night, drawing from frustration yet maintaining hope. It’s not just about technical skill; the song’s message of unity amidst division helped him clinch the Song of the Year award.

Record of the Year: “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
In a rare feat, “Not Like Us” won both Song of the Year and Record of the Year. This win was largely due to the track’s flawless production, which combined jazz, funk, and hip-hop elements, all while highlighting Lamar’s raw, layered vocals. The collaboration between producers like Kamasi Washington created a track that was both timeless and urgent, pushing boundaries in a way that caught the attention of the Recording Academy.

Best New Artist: Chappell Roan
Chappell Roan made waves in the music scene with her catchy pop tunes and deeply personal lyrics. With a unique style that blends retro disco with introspective writing, she quickly gained a dedicated following. Her breakthrough came with her online presence and powerful hooks that resonate with Gen Z listeners. Roan expressed how surreal it was for the Grammys to recognize her raw bedroom demos, which had evolved into a polished, studio-produced album. Critics are excited to see where her career goes next, with many predicting future nominations for Best Pop Vocal and Song of the Year.

Best Pop Vocal Album: Short n’ Sweet – Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet stood out with its mix of upbeat pop and powerful vocal performances. The album’s theme of youth, heartbreak, and self-empowerment connected with a wide audience. Carpenter’s experience as a Disney Channel alum turned pop star was evident, as she managed to bridge generations with her vocal precision and storytelling. The album’s success proved her transition from young starlet to a bona fide pop powerhouse.

Best Rap Album: Alligator Bites Never Heal – Doechii
Doechii’s Alligator Bites Never Heal disrupted the rap scene with its raw Southern edge and experimental beats. Her powerful lyricism and bold style set her apart in a genre known for its traditional structures. Doechii’s rebellious marketing tactics, including surprise performances and cryptic teasers, matched the album’s audacity. Her win highlighted her unique voice in the rap world, showing that Southern rap can be poetic and provocative.

Best Rock Album: Hackney Diamonds – The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones’ Hackney Diamonds struck a chord with both younger and longtime rock fans. The legendary band’s ability to mix classic rock riffs with modern production was praised for bridging generational gaps. The album’s success was also attributed to collaborations with contemporary rock producers, creating a sound that felt both nostalgic and fresh. The Rolling Stones’ Grammy win proves that after decades in the industry, they are still pushing boundaries and remaining relevant in today’s rock scene.

Best R&B Album: 11:11 (Deluxe) – Chris Brown
Chris Brown’s 11:11 (Deluxe) blended smooth R&B hooks with modern beats, embracing both slow jams and upbeat tracks. Despite controversies surrounding his personal life, the album was recognized for its technical vocal mastery and consistency in the R&B genre. Brown’s collaborations with rising stars helped highlight his adaptability, while the album’s production depth added to its appeal, blending soulful melodies with crisp electronic elements.

Best Country Album: Cowboy Carter – Beyoncé
In an unexpected win, Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter also took home the Grammy for Best Country Album. This album’s blend of R&B and country was groundbreaking, drawing attention for its ability to unite two seemingly different audiences. With singles like “Boots on Fire” gaining traction on both mainstream and country charts, Beyoncé’s unique approach challenged traditional notions of what country music can be. The album’s success sparked important conversations about inclusivity in Nashville and demonstrated how artists from different genres can collaborate to push boundaries.

Other Notable Wins
The night also saw several other talented artists take home Grammy awards. Rosalía won Best Latin Pop Album for Amar y Llorar, a mix of flamenco and urban beats. Tame Impala’s Mirror Realms earned Best Alternative Album for its mesmerizing psych-rock sound. Calvin Harris won Best Dance/Electronic Recording for his track “Cascade Overdrive”, a high-energy house anthem. Kirk Franklin’s Lifted Praise was honored as Best Gospel Album, further solidifying his place in the contemporary gospel scene.

The 67th Annual Grammy Awards celebrated a wide range of musical talents, from established icons like Beyoncé to fresh faces like Chappell Roan. The event highlighted the power of genre-blending and innovation, as well as the importance of social commentary and storytelling in today’s music. Whether through Lamar’s thought-provoking lyrics or Carpenter’s pop anthems, the night underscored that modern music is more about breaking boundaries and connecting with listeners than ever before.