The 2025 Grammy Awards were full of surprises, jaw-dropping performances, and history-making wins. It was nothing short of unforgettable. From several wins to headline-grabbing moments, this year’s ceremony gave music fans plenty to talk about!

From Beyoncé’s groundbreaking achievement to Kanye West’s controversial appearance, here are the moments that had everyone talking.

Tems wins and honors her Mum in an emotional moment

 

Tems has just won her second Grammy Award, and the first person she thanked? Her mum! “I just want to thank you, mum, because she’s really done a lot for me and my brother,” the calm yet emotional superstar said as she accepted her award for Best African Music Performance.

The moment became even more special when Tems revealed that it was her mum’s first time at the Grammys and that tomorrow was her birthday.

 

Beyoncé did it again! She became the first Black woman to win Best Country Album for Cowboy Carter. It was a long-awaited victory that proved her versatility across genres. On stage, she dedicated the award to Linda Martell, a country music trailblazer.

Kanye West and Bianca Censori’s controversial appearance

Kanye West showed up at the Grammys with his wife, Bianca Censori, and, as expected, they caused a stir. Bianca’s barely-there outfit turned heads, and rumors spread that Kanye was escorted out of the event. Whether it was planned or unexpected, Ye once again dominated conversations.

Kendrick Lamar takes Record and Song of the Year

Kendrick Lamar had a big night, winning Record of the Year and Song of the Year for Not Like Us—a song widely seen as a diss track aimed at Drake. Fans cheered as Kendrick cemented his place at the top of the rap game.

The Weeknd ends his Grammy boycott

After boycotting the Grammys for years, The Weeknd made a grand return. He hit the stage with an electrifying performance from his latest album, Hurry Up Tomorrow. His presence signaled a new chapter in his relationship with the Recording Academy.

Alicia Keys defends diversity on stage

 

Alicia Keys took a stand for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the music industry. In her speech, she responded to recent policies targeting diversity programs, saying:
“DEI is not a threat. It’s a gift.”
Her words resonated with many, making it one of the most powerful moments of the night.

Liam Payne honored in emotional tribute

The Grammys paid tribute to Liam Payne, who passed away last year. A heartfelt “In Memoriam” segment featured clips of him with One Direction, leaving fans in tears. Coldplay’s Chris Martin performed All My Love as a dedication.

Charli XCX brings star power to the stage

Charli XCX lit up the Grammys with her hit song Guess, featuring famous faces like Julia Fox and Alex Consani. She also made a statement by donating all the outfits worn in her performance to domestic violence survivors.

Trevor Noah hosts for the fifth time

Trevor Noah returned as the Grammy host for the fifth year in a row, bringing his signature humor and sharp commentary. His jokes, especially about Kanye and Kendrick, had the audience laughing throughout the night.