The Grammys are rife with enticing performances and interactions between our favorite artists. But, what it really all boils down to, are the awards. Yes, every artist in attendance is gunning to take home that famed trophy. Many did and many, surprisingly, did not. Check out the biggest snubs, upsets, and massive wins from the Grammys 2025, below.
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Grammys 2025: Biggest Snubs, Upsets, and Massive Wins
Biggest Snubs
The snubs came before the show even began broadcasting. One pop artist–who in the past has been a shoo-in for all the major categories–was notably not present: Ariana Grande. Despite her Wicked co-star, Cynthia Erivo, being in attendance, Grande opted to not show face during music’s biggest night. We can only assume that had something to do with the fact that she was not nominated for any major category throughout the night. Her lack of nominations for Album of the Year, Song of the Year, or Record of the Year was surprising, given the fervor around her latest album, Eternal Sunshine.
Fans were also surprised by the lack of trophies for Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish. Both artist have wracked up the Grammys in the past, becoming some of the biggest winners of the night. Despite their numerous nominations, neither artist took home a golden gramophone last night.
All of these artists can rest easy knowing that their years were phenomenal nonetheless. Grande with her praise for Wicked, Swift for her ever-growing spotlight, and Eilish for making some of the most memorable songs of the year.
Upsets
For the most part, the Grammys went how many would expect them to. Viewers usually can predict 99.9 percent of the winners by analyzing the cultural context around each category. This song was everywhere…This album was faultless…She’s Taylor Swift…There’s typically a rationale behind the winners that is easy to understand. However, the Grammys always surprise us with a few awards. It wouldn’t be worth tuning in without an upset here and there.
Swift typically takes home awards in major pop categories. She’s been known to do a clean sweep in Grammys past, but hell froze over last night when Sabrina Carpenter managed to usurp her for Best Pop Vocal Album. However, Swift has been a long time supporter of Carpenter, so we think it’s safe to say she was thrilled with this surprising win.
One of the biggest upsets of the night was Beyoncé’s win for Best Country Album. We use the word “upset” lightly, given the historic nature of this win. Beyoncé became the first black woman to take home an award in this particular category, shutting down anyone who thought her foray into country music was ill advised. If anyone wasn’t aware by now, there isn’t anything Beyoncé can’t excel at. It’s a thrill to watch her shut out the competition in every arena.
Massive Wins
On the opposite side of every upset there is a win that is exciting for both the artist and their fans. Many of those surprising, yet welcomed, wins happened at the 2025 Grammys. As mentioned before, Carpenter took home one of the most coveted awards of the night in the pop sector and Beyoncé swept both Best Country Album and Album of the Year. Beyoncé’s win for the latter category has been a long time coming.
Elsewhere rapper Doechii became the third ever woman to win Best Rap Album at the Grammys. Given that the category has been around for decades, the feat is certainly one for the history books.
Kendrick Lamar swept his categories, taking home five Grammys for “Not Like Us.” Notably, he took home awards for Record the Year and Song of the Year. Not a bad night for the rap great.
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