The 2025 Grammy Awards delivered a night of electrifying performances and surprising wins, with artists from the rock genre taking center stage. Held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on January 26, the event celebrated the best in music across a variety of categories. Notably, The Rolling Stones and St. Vincent emerged as significant winners in the rock categories, while Matt B featuring the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra made waves in the Global Music category.
The Rolling Stones' "Hackney Diamonds" not only clinched the coveted Best Rock Performance award but also held a nomination for Best Rock Album. This iconic band continues to leave an indelible mark on the music industry with their enduring talent and innovative sound, proving their relevance even decades into their career.
St. Vincent also had a remarkable night, winning Best Rock Song for "Broken Man." Her song "Flea" was another contender in the Best Rock Song category, demonstrating her prowess as an exceptional songwriter and performer. The dual nominations underscored her standing as a leading figure in contemporary rock music.
Several notable artists were nominated for Best Rock Performance, highlighting the diversity and dynamism present within the genre today. The Black Keys' "Beautiful People (Stay High)," Pearl Jam's "Dark Matter," Green Day's "Dilemma," and Idles' "Gift Horse" each offered their unique contributions to rock music. The Black Crowes' "Happiness Bastards" and Fontaines DC's "Romance" rounded out the impressive roster of nominees in this fiercely competitive category.
Additionally, Cage the Elephant made their presence felt with "Neon Pill," while Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds were recognized for "Song of the Lake." Kim Gordon's "Bye Bye" added to the list of outstanding performances vying for recognition. These nominations spotlighted an exciting mix of established acts and rising stars, each bringing something fresh to the rock scene.
In the Global Music category, Matt B featuring the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra took home the award for Best Global Music Album with their work on "Alkebulan II." This collaboration bridged cultural gaps and showcased the power of music to unite different worlds. Their track also received a nomination for Best Global Music Performance, underscoring its wide-reaching impact.
The Producer of the Year, Non-Classical category saw fierce competition with Alissia, Dernst "D’Mile" Emile II, Ian Fitchuk, Mustard, and Daniel Nigro among those nominated. These producers have been instrumental in crafting some of the most compelling sounds in contemporary music, influencing genres across the board.
In musical theater, "Hell’s Kitchen" earned a nomination for Best Musical Theater Album. This recognition highlights the album's contribution to the rich tapestry of musical storytelling, offering audiences a blend of drama and melody that continues to captivate theater lovers.