Cover The biggest pop culture moments from the 2025 Grammy Awards (Photos: Instagram/@recordingacademy; stylised by author)
The biggest pop culture moments from the 2025 Grammy Awards (Photos: Instagram/@recordingacademy; stylised by author)
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Beyoncé broke barriers, Shakira made a stand, and Coldplay’s Chris Martin paid tribute—here are some highlights from the 2025 Grammys
The 2025 Grammy Awards were a masterclass in pop culture moments that had the music world talking—again. From iconic performances to stirring tributes and powerful speeches, the evening felt like a love letter to music’s ability to heal, inspire, and spark change. Whether it was Beyoncé finally clinching the elusive Album of the Year, or Kendrick Lamar winning both Record and Song of the Year with Not Like Us, the night was filled with moments that went beyond the stage. With unexpected returns and heartfelt tributes, this year’s Grammys will be remembered as a celebration not just of music, but of voices that shape our everyday life.
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Here are the standout pop culture highlights from the night:
Beyoncé’s Historic Win for Album of the Year
In a moment that had been years in the making, Beyoncé became the first Black woman in the 21st century to win the coveted Album of the Year award for Cowboy Carter. This win cemented her place in Grammy history, as she joined an exclusive group of Black women to have taken home the top prize. Her victory was a monumental moment not just for her career, but for the representation of Black artists in the music industry.
She also won Best Country Album that evening.
A Heartfelt Tribute by Chris Martin
Above The 2025 Grammy Awards gives tribute to the late Liam Payne
The 2025 Grammy Awards gives tribute to the late Liam Payne
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The 2025 Grammys took a sombre turn when Coldplay’s Chris Martin delivered a touching tribute to his late friend, Liam Payne. The One Direction star, who tragically passed away at 31, was remembered during the In Memoriam segment with a montage of his career highlights.
Martin also honoured the Allman Brothers’ Dicky Betts, Marianne Faithfull, Garth Hudson, Toby Keith, and Rich Homie Quan.
A Musical Tribute to Los Angeles’ Resilience
The Grammys opened with a powerful tribute to Los Angeles, reflecting the city’s strength and recovery following devastating wildfires. Led by an all-star band, including Dawes, Sheryl Crow, and John Legend, the performance of Randy Newman’s I Love L.A. underscored the collective spirit of both the city’s inhabitants and the music community.
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The Weeknd Breaks His Boycott with a Dramatic Return
After a highly publicised boycott in 2020, The Weeknd made a dramatic return to the Grammy stage, surprising fans and critics alike. His reappearance, alongside a speech from Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr, signalled a new chapter for the Grammys.
Cynthia Erivo’s Angelic Performance of ‘Fly Me to the Moon’
Wicked star Cynthia Erivo mesmerised the audience with an angelic rendition of Fly Me to the Moon, paying tribute to Quincy Jones. Joined by Herbie Hancock, Erivo’s vocals left an indelible impression, with even Beyoncé seen swaying to the music in the audience.
Shakira’s Dedication to Immigrants During Her Win
When Shakira took home the Best Latin Pop Album Grammy, her speech became one of the most heartfelt moments of the night. “I want to dedicate this award to all my immigrant brothers and sisters,” she said, pledging her continued support for immigrant communities. It was a powerful message that resonated deeply with viewers, affirming Shakira’s role as a global advocate for social change.
Chappell Roan’s Call for Artist Rights
Chappell Roan, winner of Best New Artist, used her acceptance speech as a platform to demand better treatment for emerging artists. “Labels, we got you, but do you got us?” she asked, calling for liveable wages and healthcare for new talents. Roan’s speech was a reminder that the conversation around the rights and welfare of artists is far from over.
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Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
