2025 Grammys, a night of innovative modern artistry

By Essence Barnes

This year’s Grammys delighted in show-stopping looks, iconic performances, and inimitable winning artists, giving audiences a reminiscent taste of what the Grammys used to feel like. 

But what made the Grammys feel so uniquely special this year? It wasn’t only a night of tweetable pop culture moments, innovative artistry, and talented musicians coming together to spotlight important issues.

According to ADIV, singer-songwriter and voting member of the Recording Academy, one of the unspoken themes judges were looking for this year was innovation. “How many artists made us feel something new? How many artists did something out of the box? How many artists took a risk to create art?” ADIV said in his TikTok post.

The attention to this theme is clear in the lineup of winners that came out of the event. From song of the year going to a rap diss track and artist of the year going to a young queer Midwestern pop girl, the 67th Grammy’s selection of winners was well-rounded and culturally unique.

According to the Grammy website, the Recording Academy has been striving to include more diverse perspectives within its pool of voters to ensure that Grammy winners are “more reflective of the entire music community.”

“Music is an art form,” ADIV said. “It’s such a pivotal part of understanding how music is made, is the art and the storytelling behind that music.”

Winner of Album of the Year and Best Country Album, Cowboy Carter by Beyonce, is another example of the musical innovation factor judges were looking for.

Beyonce took a risk and approached her latest album with a country and American-inspired perspective rather than her usual hip-hop or R&B background. The album uses a variety of different Southern music subgenres and unique lyrical symbolism to tell the story of history’s forgotten Black pioneers and their impact on cultural and Western music history.

Beyonce received some backlash from her album, as many criticized her for switching genres and not being country enough to make country music. She spoke out on feeling unaccepted within the country music community and decided to create this album to highlight African American influence on western country music culture.

“I think sometimes genre is a cold word to keep us in our place as artists,” Beyonce said during her Grammy Award acceptance speech, encouraging her fellow musicians and viewers to think outside of the box.

Kendrick Lamar also made vast innovative strides in his music last year, earning his latest hit single and diss track, “Not Like Us,” awards for song and record of the year. Not only did the song smash charts across the globe, but Lamar’s scathing lyricism and elaborate production earned him the attention of innovative seeking Grammy judges.

Though controversial, the song has become a cultural icon of West Coast rap and one of the most popular songs in diss track history. The lyrics and music video are filled with symbolism and references to cultural identity and appropriation, played over a catchy bass-filled beat.

Lamar dedicated his award to the city of L.A. and the victims of the L.A. wildfires, saying in his acceptance speech, “This is a true testament that we will continue to restore this city.”

Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ also paid their respects to the victims of the wildfires by performing a melancholy rendition of ‘California Dreamin’ before receiving their award for best pop duo performance.

Their hit single, “Die With A Smile,” also took billboards across the globe. The beautiful chemistry between Gaga and Bruno’s vocals, along with the 70s feel of the performance and production, made the song stand out sonically. Critics said that while the song played on both artists’ strengths, it also pushed them to create something new.

“I just want to say tonight that trans people are not invisible,” Gaga said during the duo’s acceptance speech. “Trans people deserve love. The queer community deserves to be lifted up.”

Performances from Charli XCX, Cynthia Erivo, and Doeichii, along with many other musicians, brought their unique artistic perspectives to the event, making the 67th annual Grammys a night of innovative modern artistry, musical diversity and advocacy.