Beyoncé Wins Album of the Year at the 2025 Grammys for 'Cowboy Carter," Gaga Shouts Out to Trans Community

Star-Studded Performances and Victories

The first televised award went to Doechii for best rap album for "Alligator Bites Never Heal."

The tears were immediate. "This category was introduced in 1989. Two women have won, Lauryn Hill –" she said, correcting herself. "Three women have won. Lauryn Hill, Cardi B, and Doechii."

Will Smith introduced a tribute to the late, great, legendary producer Quincy Jones. "In his 91 years, Q touched countless lives, but I have to say he changed mine forever," he said. "You probably wouldn't even know who Will Smith was without Quincy Jones."

Jones died in November at age 91.

Cynthia Erivo, accompanied by Herbie Hancock on piano, sang Frank Sinatra's "Fly Me to the Moon." Then came Lainey Wilson and Jacob Collier with "Let the Good Times Roll," followed by Stevie Wonder and Hancock busting out "Bluesette" and "We Are The World." For the latter, they were joined by student singers from two schools that were lost in the LA-area fires.

Then came Janelle Monae with an inspired rendition of "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough," channeling Michael Jackson in a sparkly tuxedo and an effortless moonwalk.

The Beatles' "Now and Then," which used AI technology, took home best rock performance. Sean Lennon accepted the award on behalf of his father John Lennon. "As far as I'm concerned, it's the best band of all time," he said of the Beatles.

First time winners were abundant. They included Carpenter, Roan, Doechii, Charli xcx, songwriter Amy Allen, Música Mexicana star Carin León, French metal band Gojira, and country folk artist Sierra Ferrell.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers' Anthony Kiedis and Chad Smith led the crowd in a short singalong of their hit "Under the Bridge," reminding the crowd to "support their friends and neighbors as they rebuild their lives," said Kiedis. Then they presented the best pop vocal album award to Carpenter for "Short n' Sweet."

"I really wasn't expecting this," she said. "This is, whoo, my first Grammy so I'm going to cry." (She's now won two, but the earlier award was handed out a pre-telecast ceremony that many artists don't attend.) She also performed.