The controversial 2025 Grammy Awards

LEXIE THAYER
STAFF WRITER

2/17/2025

The 2025 Grammys was undoubtedly a controversial award show this year; it was a night filled with stunning performances, great celebrations, and some questionable decisions.

The controversy began before the award show even started, as Kanye West’s wife made an unforgettable appearance on the red carpet. At first, she wore a large black feather coat, which she later dropped to reveal a completely see-through dress.

“I think that it is a humiliation ritual that he does to show he has power or control over his women… It’s kind of like, ‘ha, ha! Look what I made her do’… It’s like mental abuse.” said Isabella Manor (‘27). 

“Ugh, it was so bad. I felt so bad for her. She just looked uncomfortable in it.” said Lily Malamis (‘27).

Despite West’s Carnival being nominated for Best Rap Song, he and his wife were forcibly removed from the Grammys for the nude stunt. 

In my opinion, I think that West was actively degrading her, and it was overall hard to watch. With all of the terrible things West has done and said, I think that 2025 is the year we leave him in the past. 

On the flip side, there were great performances at the Grammys. Some fan favorites include Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Billie Ellish and Charli XCX. 

However, the controversy continued inside the building, beginning with Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album winning country album of the year. Many listeners complained that Beyoncé is not a country artist, and cannot ‘switch sides’. 

“Personally, it seemed like it was all just a country gimmick to me. Try to name two songs from that album? I bet you can’t. It just doesn’t meet the standards of past country albums of the year.” said Carli Miklusicak (‘28). 

“I really liked some of the songs in Cowboy Carter, so I had no complaints about it winning best country album. Like, who cares?” said Hailee Risner (‘28).

In my opinion, I don’t think there is a limit to who can be and who can’t be a country artist. Her song Texas Hold ‘Emseemed plenty country to me, with lyrics containing the spirit of old and modern country songs. 

On the other hand, I do see why country-lovers are upset. The photoshoots that Beyoncé did for the album could seem performative. But, she won the award nonetheless, so it’s already set in history.

Another questionable aspect of the Grammys was Billie Ellish going into the Grammys with seven nominations and then leaving with nothing. Many fans believed that her song Birds of a Feather would win best song, but to no avail.

The winner of best song, Not Like Us by Kendrick Lamar, had fewer streams than Birds of a Feather.

“Both songs were very popular, and I thought both songs were great. Here’s the thing though – Not Like Us was the fastest rap song to reach 100 million streams on spotify. So I get why it won.” said Lily Sierawakowski (‘28).

In my opinion, I thought Birds of a Feather deserved the win. I speak for everyone when I say that song has played on the radio all year, and there’s not a single person who doesn’t know the lyrics. I don’t think the same could be said about Not Like Us.

Other Grammys that Ellish was nominated for was; best album, best pop vocal album, best dance pop recording, best pop duo/performance, best record, and best pop solo performance.

In the end, the Grammy Award Show of 2025 was definitely a year to remember. From provocative outfits to snubbed awards, the Grammys continue to be a conversation topic for everyone who loves music.