The 2025 Grammy Awards were a night of stunning surprises, with major upsets and historic wins across multiple genres. From Beyoncé’s unexpected win to Kendrick Lamar’s record-breaking haul, the ceremony showcased some of the biggest names in music as well as some underdog victories. But perhaps the most talked-about story was Taylor Swift’s performance at the awards show. Despite six nominations, including in some of the top categories, Swift walked away empty-handed—a rare feat for the Grammy darling.
Here’s everything you need to know about the unforgettable night:
Taylor Swift: A Night of Nominations but No Wins
Taylor Swift entered the 2025 Grammy Awards with a remarkable six nominations. Her album “The Tortured Poets Department” earned nods for Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album, while her hit single “Fortnight” featuring Post Malone was up for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Music Video. In addition, her collaboration with Gracie Abrams, “us.,” was nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
However, it was not Swift’s year. She lost out to Kendrick Lamar in several categories. Lamar took home Record of the Year and Song of the Year for his track “Not Like Us,” and his music video nabbed the Best Music Video award as well. When Lamar won, Swift was seen in the crowd dancing to “Not Like Us,” showing her unwavering support for the rapper.
Swift’s Best Pop Vocal Album nomination also went to Eras Tour opener Sabrina Carpenter, who was visibly moved when she won, sharing a heartfelt moment with Swift, who stood up and cheered for her friend. Despite the losses, Swift’s grace and sportsmanship were a highlight of the evening.
Beyoncé’s Surprise Win: “Cowboy Carter” Dominates
The night’s biggest surprise came when Beyoncé won Album of the Year for “Cowboy Carter,” her first win in the category. The country-infused album shocked fans and critics alike, marking the Queen Bey’s unexpected shift from pop and R&B to a more traditional country sound.
Not only did “Cowboy Carter” win Album of the Year, but it also snagged Best Country Album. Beyoncé appeared genuinely shocked as the award was announced, perhaps never expecting this bold transition would bring her such success. In a year dominated by pop-heavy contenders, Beyoncé’s country album was a clear standout.
Sabrina Carpenter: A Night to Remember
Sabrina Carpenter had an impressive night, winning multiple Grammys, including Best Pop Vocal Album for “Short n’ Sweet” and Best Pop Solo Performance for her hit single “Espresso.” At just 25, Carpenter’s wins marked a breakout moment in her career, with critics praising her powerful voice and growth as an artist. Carpenter was also nominated for Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year but didn’t take home those awards.
Chappell Roan: A Rising Star
Chappell Roan, known for her bold songwriting and captivating vocals, walked away with the prestigious Best New Artist. The camp queen and queer icon had already made waves with her record “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess,” and her win at the 2025 Grammys solidified her place as one of the most exciting new voices in music today.
Charli XCX: Dominating the Dance/Electronic Scene
Charli XCX had a stellar night, winning Best Dance/Electronic Recording for her track “Von Dutch” and Best Dance/Electronic Music Album for her critically acclaimed “Brat.”
Tame Impala’s First Grammy Win
Tame Impala, finally won his first Grammy. His track “Neverender,” a collaboration with the French electronic duo Justice, earned them Best Dance/Electronic Recording. This marks a major achievement for Tame Impala, who had been nominated multiple times in the past but had yet to secure a win.
The Beatles Make History: “Now and Then” Wins First AI-Assisted Grammy
In another historic moment, The Beatles won Best Rock Performance for their song “Now and Then,” marking the first time an AI-assisted song took home a Grammy. The track, released in late 2023, was created using AI technology to mix archival vocals from John Lennon with new instrumentation. The Grammy win for “Now and Then” signals the beginning of a new era for AI in music, with the potential to reshape the industry’s creative process.
Shakira and Chris Brown Score Big
Shakira took home Best Latin Pop Album for her album “Pies Descalzos II,” a follow-up to her iconic “Pies Descalzos” album. The Colombian superstar’s win highlights her continued reign as one of the most influential figures in Latin music.
Meanwhile, Chris Brown’s “11:11 (Deluxe)” took home Best R&B Album, adding another Grammy to his career collection. Brown’s win is a testament to his consistent talent in the genre, despite controversies throughout his career.
Producer of the Year: Daniel Nigro
Daniel Nigro, the producer known for his work with Olivia Rodrigo and Chappell Roan, won Producer of the Year. His creative touch has been instrumental in shaping the sound of some of the biggest albums of the year, including Rodrigo’s “Guts” and Roan’s “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.” Nigro’s win further solidified his status as one of the most sought-after producers in contemporary pop music.
For the full list of awards and winners, check out the official Grammy website