The Grammy Awards 2025 was a night to remember as Beyonce made history and Kanye West and Bianca Censori stirred up controversy.
The 67th annual ceremony, which celebrated the best in music for the year, was embroiled in controversy from the start.
Even before the event kicked off, Bianca Censori’s revealing outfit had already become the main talking point. Kanye West’s wife made a daring statement on the red carpet by shedding her black robe to reveal a see-through dress that left little to the imagination.
Her look sparked outrage among fans online, with some suggesting it could potentially land her in legal trouble under California Penal Code 314(1), which defines indecent exposure as “when a person exposes his or her naked body or genitals in front of anyone who could be annoyed or offended by it. And one fan online jibed: “One disgruntled fan quipped online: “Every single time I have seen Kanye’s wife naked was against my will.”
However, Kanye and Bianca didn’t stick around for long and were spotted leaving before the awards began. Lip reader Nicola Hickling analysed a clip of the couple and interpreted Kanye’s words to his wife as: “You’re making a scene now,” which Bianca acknowledged with a nod, reports the Mirror.
At the ceremony, host Trevor Noah, leading the event for the fifth consecutive year, didn’t hesitate to poke fun at newly inaugurated US President Donald Trump. The comedian quipped during his introductory spiel: “I don’t know if you noticed there’s been a few changes in Washington. So I’m going to enjoy tonight, because it’s maybe my last time I get to host anything in this country.”
As accolades were handed out, rising sensation Chappell Roan grabbed the Best New Artist title and seized the moment to challenge the music business.
In her rousing acceptance speech, she insisted that “labels and the industry profiting millions of dollars off artists would offer a liveable wage and healthcare, especially to developing artists”.
The event was filled with emotion as fans and A-listers shed tears alike. During a poignant performance by Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga of ‘California Dreamin”, in homage to those affected by the LA wildfires, fans expressed their moved state on social platforms. A touched Twitter user expressed: “I’d like to thank the #GRAMMYs for bringing me to tears with all the people who lost their home in LA as if I didn’t already feel so bad for them!”.
Emotions were running high during the awards ceremony as the In Memoriam segment paid a tear-jerking tribute to the late Liam Payne, who passed away last October at the age of 31. Fans were deeply moved by the footage that appeared on the big screen, showing Liam in front of a graffiti wall and performing with One Direction.
An online user expressed their emotional reaction, posting: “Not me starting to bawl my eyes out when Liam pops up on the Grammys. Miss you Payno.”
The ceremony also celebrated the industry’s greats, with Quincy Jones being honoured alongside memories of his appearances on the Fresh Prince of Bel Air with star Will Smith. Despite Taylor Swift leading the nominations, she did not take home an award this time, while Beyoncé won Album of the Year for “Cowboy Carter,” her first triumph in the category.
In a surprise moment, Swift presented the Best Country Album award to Beyoncé, recalling her own beginnings in country music and saying: “Hi, they say you never forget where you came from and I will never forget standing here, right on this spot, almost exactly 15 years ago accepting the Grammy Award for best country album.”
The poignant event finished with the two stars sharing a sincere hug. .
Meanwhile, Kendrick Lamar took home the award for song of the year, and fans were quick to notice Diana Ross’s reaction when presenting the award. When she opened the envelope to reveal the winner, she seemed taken aback, and fans on X interpreted her response as “shade” towards the rapper.
One fan commented, “Did Diana Ross just throw shade with that ahh before she said Kendrick Lamar? ? ? ? #GRAMMYs #SongOfTheYear” Another fan quoted Ross’s reaction, saying, “The Grammy goes to…. *ahh* Kendrick Lamar” – Diana Ross. The night concluded with the announcement of the Album of the Year winner, which made history as Beyoncé finally took home the award for Cowboy Carter.
However, not everyone was pleased with the outcome, as fans of Billie Eilish claimed the wrong person had won. The award was presented by members of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, who received a standing ovation as they took the stage.
Throughout the show, host Trevor Noah urged viewers to donate to support those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires, announcing that $7 million had been raised at one point. The final total was not disclosed, but those in attendance also made donations.
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