Kendrick Lamar Wins Big, The Weeknd Returns at 2025 Grammys

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar took home a Grammy for his diss track “Not Like Us” at the 67th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, dedicating the win to Los Angeles. The Weeknd, who had previously criticized the Recording Academy, made a surprise return to the stage with a performance of his new single, “Cry For Me,” alongside Playboi Carti.

Lamar’s win marked the second time a hip-hop single has won in the category, following Childish Gambino‘s “This Is America” in 2019. “We’re gonna dedicate this one to the city,” Lamar said, shouting out several Los Angeles neighborhoods during his acceptance speech.

The Weeknd’s performance came as a surprise to many, given his public criticism of the Grammys in recent years. Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. acknowledged the changes made to the awards process, stating, “The Grammys remain committed to evolving and recognizing excellence in music.”

Chappell Roan was named Best New Artist, delivering a heartfelt speech that called for better treatment of developing artists. “Labels, we got you, but do you got us?” she asked, urging the industry to offer living wages and healthcare.

Taylor Swift presented the award for Best Country Album to Beyoncé for her groundbreaking “Cowboy Carter.” Beyoncé, visibly emotional, thanked the Academy and reflected on the limitations of genre labels. “Genre is a cold word to keep us in our place as artists,” she said.

The show opened with a tribute to Los Angeles, referencing the recent wildfires that devastated the area. Host Trevor Noah dedicated the evening to the city’s resilience, while performances by Billie Eilish, Dawes, and others celebrated the region’s musical legacy.

Other highlights included Doechii‘s win for Best Rap Album, making her the third woman to ever win the category, and a tribute to Quincy Jones led by Will Smith. Shakira won Best Latin Pop Album, dedicating her award to immigrants in the U.S.

The Grammys aired live on CBS and Paramount+, with Paramount+ with Showtime subscribers able to watch on demand.