The Grammys Were Actually Good This Year. Here’s Why.
From the winners to the performances, this year’s broadcast was actually well put together.

I can’t believe I’m about to type this, but for once in my lifetime (a mere 27 years), the Grammys actually got it right—well, mostly. The 67th annual Grammy Awards happened last night, and it wasn’t just an evening of the industry patting itself on the back. Instead, it was a mix of genuine surprises, overdue wins, and moments that had the internet in a chokehold. From Beyoncé’s historic victories to entertaining and vocally sound performances (I’m looking at you, Chappell Roan and Doechii), the night felt like a rare alignment of the Recording Academy’s taste with, well, reality.
Of course, it had its awkward moments, but all in all, Sunday night’s telecast felt like a real celebration of the actual music.
With that being said, let’s dive into all the moments that made us cheer, cringe, and tweet in all caps.
Billie Eilish “Birds of a Feather” really is THAT song
Despite her mic being kind of low, Billie Eilish’s performance of her hit “Birds of a Feather” reminded me how beautiful and tragic that song’s lyrics are and how and angelic the music makes you feel. This was the real start of the show.
Sabrina Carpenter bought much-needed humor
We’ve all heard how pop music made a major comeback this past year. Sabrina Carpenter’s performance was kind of a testament to that. It was full of energy, a little comedy (the backup vocalists singing “Someone's getting fired” comes to mind), and, of course, the hits. She reminded (or showed) the crowd she was truly made for this pop star shit.
Doechii’s big win
Before I even write about Doechii, I have to acknowledge that no one in that room has more personality than Cardi B. Now, with that out the way, it was obvious as soon as she hit the stage that Doechii was going to win this award, and her heartfelt speech encouraging other Black women to keep going, despite setbacks, was the probably the best part of the night.
IDK. I think Beyoncé was genuinely surprised.
Beyoncé’s reaction to her Best Country Album win immediately unlocked a new meme. There’s been discussion on whether it was genuine. Personally, I think she was actually surprised, considering she didn’t receive a single CMA nomination. So to go on to win an even bigger award in the same genre would surprise me, too.
The Grammys should keep the Best New Artist performances
One of the standouts of this year’s telecast was the performance segment featuring the Best New Artist nominees. This addition is a serious improvement to the flow of the show and should be kept for future shows, since it showcases the artists’ diverse talents and the reasons behind their nominations.
And Chappell Roan’s speech should wake people up
If there’s one thing for certain, it’s that Chappell Roan is going to speak her mind. She did it all 2024 on various topics, so it wasn’t shocking when she doubled down at the Grammys. Roan won the Grammy for Best New Artist and spent some of her speech calling for the industry to help struggling artists with access to health care. It was one of the few political moments during the night and the one that should resonate the most just months after the killing of
Did we really care about The Weeknd and Grammys kissing and making up?
I don’t think anyone cared whether the Grammys and The Weeknd were besties again, no matter how momentous their reconciliation was made to seem.
Janelle Monáe, you are a Prince child
Janelle Monáe, don’t ever get on that stage or any stage thinking you can perform Michael Jackson songs. You are a child of Prince.
Kendrick Lamar sweeps
I thoroughly expected Kendrick to sweep in the rap categories, but was genuinely surprised—like, Diana Ross surprised—when he also took it in the overall categories including Record and Song of the Year.
- FutureHow Future Took Over Rap in 2015
- Tyler, The CreatorThe Best World-Builders in Music Right Now
- SeveranceThere’s a New Frontrunner in the Prestige TV Arms Race
- Love Island‘This Is Our Playoffs’: Fans Flooded a Brooklyn Bar for the Season Finale of ‘Love Island USA’
Newsletter
The latest from us, straight to your inbox.
Newsletter
The latest from us, straight to your inbox.
Related Stories
- How Future Took Over Rap in 2015
How Future Took Over Rap in 2015
Ten years ago today, Future dropped ‘DS2,’ the album that catapulted him from mixtape legend to generational artist.
By Abe Beame
- The Best World-Builders in Music Right Now
The Best World-Builders in Music Right Now
A guide to the current top-tier architects of pop universes.
- ‘Swag’ Is the Artsy Curveball Justin Bieber Fans Always Deserved
‘Swag’ Is the Artsy Curveball Justin Bieber Fans Always Deserved
This 21-track album arrives after a confusing few years for the pop star.
- ‘They Still Laughed at the Asian’: Zayn Malik Speaks on Racism He Experienced in One Direction in New Song Snippet
‘They Still Laughed at the Asian’: Zayn Malik Speaks on Racism He Experienced in One Direction in New Song Snippet
The singer previewed some bars from a new, more rap-heavy track seemingly called “Fuchsia Sea.”
- How Bktherula and TiaCorine Built Their Own Lanes in the World of ‘Boy Music’
How Bktherula and TiaCorine Built Their Own Lanes in the World of ‘Boy Music’
At Lyrical Lemonade’s Summer Smash, one of rap’s loudest, most male-dominated festivals, the two women stood out on their own terms.
- Charli XCX Restores OG Album Covers: Here’s What That Means
Charli XCX Restores OG Album Covers: Here’s What That Means
The ‘Brat’ singer changed all the covers to match her sixth album’s aesthetic last year.