Grammys 2025 recap: Best moments from music's biggest night

Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. took to the stage to speak about the work the organization has done in recent years to diversify and provide transparency in how it gives out awards.

"What we all want is an organization dedicated to the well-being of all music makers and one that reflects the entire music community, for now and for future generations," he said. "So, over the past few years, we have listened, we've acted and we've changed."

Mason pointed to the creation of initiatives like Black Music Collective, Women in the Mix and Academy Proud, as well as the organization having "completely remade" its membership. He said more than 3,000 women voters have joined and that the voting body is younger and comprises nearly 40% people of color, with 66% of members having joined since the "transformation began."

"It's a system rooted in fairness, integrity and the principle that every voice in our community matters," he said of today's organization. "Now, charting a new course is never easy. There's still work to be done, but I firmly believe we're on the right path."

He added, "As we've seen tonight, music is a powerful force for good. It heals us. It unites us. And we need that in this city right now."

The Weeknd delivered a surprise performance at the 2025 Grammys, singing his songs "Cry for Me" and "Timeless," his song with Playboi Carti from his new album "Hurry Up Tomorrow."

Playboi Carti joined the singer for the performance of "Timeless."

Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars took the Grammys stage and paid tribute to the city of LA and those affected by the recent wildfires.

The duo sang a moving rendition of "California Dreamin'" by The Mamas & the Papas.

Chappell Roan won the Grammy for best new artist.

During her acceptance speech, she shouted out her fellow nominees and thanked her fans.

"I told myself if I ever won a Grammy and got to stand up here before the most powerful people in music, I would demand that labels in the industry profiting millions of dollars off of artists would offer a livable wage and health care, especially to developing artists," she continued.

Roan then shared her personal experience, saying that "because I got signed so young, I got signed as a minor ... when I got dropped, I had zero job experience under my belt, and like most people, I had a difficult time finding a job in the pandemic and could not afford insurance."

"It was so devastating to feel so committed to my art and feel so betrayed by the system," she said, adding that she felt “dehumanized.”

She finished with a poignant question, "Record labels need to treat their artists as valuable employees with a livable wage and health insurance and protection. Labels, we got you -- but do you got us?"

Other nominees in this year's best new artist category included Benson Boone, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Khruangbin, RAYE, Chappell Roan, Shaboozey and Teddy Swims.