The 2025 Grammy Awards, held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles last night, showcased the evolving landscape of popular music while celebrating its rich history. The ceremony, renowned for spawning a mini-industry in predictions, saw expert voices eagerly scanning nominations to foretell the winners. This year, the event highlighted a significant shift in mainstream pop music's tone, moving away from impeccably styled perfection towards a messier, more heartfelt expression. This transformation was reflected in the success of artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan, who both sold millions of records.
In a nod to tradition, the Grammys awarded the Best Rock Performance gong to the Beatles for their track "Now and Then." Dubbed "the last Beatles single," this performance required AI technology to bring it to fruition, creating a moment of nostalgia that was not without controversy. Some viewed this as a tacit endorsement from the music industry for a deeply divisive technology.
Chappell Roan stood out at the ceremony, not only for winning the Best New Artist award but also for her bold appearance and outspoken speech. Wearing a wimple and drag-queen makeup, she used her acceptance speech to criticize the music industry for its reluctance to provide young artists with a living wage. Her originality and candidness marked her as a distinct voice in today's music scene.
The Grammys also recognized the cultural impact of Kendrick Lamar. His song "Not Like Us" was not only a commercial success but also influenced various aspects of popular culture, from US sports to American presidential campaign messaging. Lamar's work exemplifies how music can transcend its medium and resonate on a broader societal level.
Another notable recognition came with Charli XCX's album "Brat," which captured the zeitgeist so completely that its title became a widely used adjective. The album symbolized the shift in pop music towards embracing imperfections and heartfelt expressions. Similarly, Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road" continued to be celebrated for its influence on the country-pop genre, further cementing its place in music history.
The Album of the Year award went to Beyoncé for her latest release, sparking discussions about her previous albums that did not win the category despite being considered qualitatively superior by some critics. Nonetheless, Beyoncé's win underscored her enduring impact on the music industry and her ability to continually shape its direction.
The night's events highlighted the Grammys' acknowledgment of AI's role in music creation. The use of AI in producing "Now and Then" indicated a growing acceptance of technology's place in artistry, despite ongoing debates about its implications.