On Sunday, the 67th Grammy Awards took place, finally crowning Beyoncé with a long-overdue title: Cowboy Carter, her country album, won the Grammy for Album of the Year—her first victory in this category. This was hardly a surprise to anyone but her, and fortunately, it wasn’t the most exciting moment of the night. Let’s take a look at the ceremony’s most memorable highlights!
Kendrick Lamar Sweeps the Night
In 2024, Kendrick Lamar made waves with his takedown of Drake, resulting in a mega-hit that critics praised, audiences adored, and even sparked a defamation lawsuit by the end of the year. By the end of the night, he had converted all five of his nominations into Grammy wins! Not Like Us won in the categories of Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, Best Music Video, Song of the Year, and Record of the Year.
“There’s nothing more powerful than rap music,” Kendrick said in his final acceptance speech. “I just hope you all respect the art form.” There’s no doubt about that—Lamar is now only the second hip-hop artist, after Childish Gambino, to win Record of the Year.
Doechii’s Historic Win
Doechii took home the award for Best Rap Album, overcoming stiff competition, and accepted her first Grammy in tears. “This category was introduced in 1989, and only two women have won before me,” she noted, referring to Lauryn Hill and Cardi B. Cardi, who presented the award, beamed with joy as she opened the envelope.
Doechii shared that she created her album Alligator Bites Never Heal as a testament to her sobriety. “I know there are so many Black women watching me right now, and I want to tell you: You can do it,” she declared. “Don’t let anyone project stereotypes onto you—telling you that you can’t be here, that you’re too dark, not smart enough, too dramatic, or too loud. You are exactly as you need to be to be where you are right now.”
Chappell Roan’s Show-Stopping Performance
Chappell Roan, the winner of Best New Artist, delivered one of the night’s most spectacular performances, singing her early hit Pink Pony Club while riding a giant pink pony, surrounded by a troupe of rodeo clowns. The performance doubled as a tribute to queer rights, with Roan singing about West Hollywood as the clowns danced, even crawling on all fours to her guitarist in a nod to David Bowie’s legendary moment with Mick Ronson.
Charli XCX Turns the Grammys Into a Rave
Charli XCX’s Brat was arguably the most fun pop album of the past year, and on Sunday night, the British superstar briefly transformed the Grammys into a full-blown party. After winning two awards—Best Dance Pop Recording and Best Dance/Electronic Album—Charli kicked off her performance of Von Dutch in what appeared to be an underground parking garage before making her way to the main stage, where she kept the energy high with Guess. She was joined by The Dare, Julia Fox, and supermodel Alex Consani for the electrifying set.