Bad Bunny sat alone, eyes glistening, as the realization washed over him.
He’d just won Album of the Year at the 2025 Grammy Awards—making “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” the first Spanish-language album ever to claim music’s most prestigious trophy.
But beyond that historic moment, the night delivered everything fans crave: raw emotion, killer performances, and a few delightfully weird surprises.
From Lady Gaga’s basket-headed fever dream to Justin Bieber performing in his underwear, here’s what made the 2025 Grammys unforgettable.
Bad Bunny Makes History
While everyone else stood and applauded, Bad Bunny remained seated, rubbing his eyes in disbelief.
The Puerto Rican superstar’s “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” shattered barriers by becoming the first Spanish-language album to win Album of the Year. It’s a seismic shift for an industry that has long struggled with representation.
And he’s not slowing down—next up is his Super Bowl appearance.
The 3.5-hour telecast had plenty of other memorable moments, including Cher nearly forgetting to announce Record of the Year and Ozzy Osbourne receiving a fire-blasting heavy metal tribute.
Bruno Mars and Rosé Ignite Opening Night
Bruno Mars and Rosé—from K-pop powerhouse Blackpink—launched proceedings with “APT.,” one of 2024’s biggest hits.
Inspired by a South Korean drinking game, their performance oozed chemistry. Rosé rocked a white tank, black slacks, and tie while Mars matched in a dark suit with his guitar strapped across a checkerboard pattern.
Jumping, guitar shredding, theatrical smoke—it was pure adrenaline.
Mars later returned for his latest single, “I Just Might,” proving once again why he’s one of music’s most electric performers.
Lady Gaga Goes Full Gaga
Halfway through the show, Lady Gaga emerged from inside a basket-like headpiece wearing a feather-covered costume that screamed avant-garde chaos.
She wielded a gnarly cane, twitched unpredictably, and delivered a rock-funk reimagining of “Abracadabra” that felt both unhinged and brilliant.
Her manic energy kept hearts racing—and earned her Best Pop Vocal Album honors later that night.
Sabrina Carpenter Takes Flight
Sabrina Carpenter transformed the Grammy stage into an airport terminal—and absolutely nailed her moment.
Dressed in white hot pants, a neckerchief, and a captain’s hat labeled “SCA” (Sabrina Carpenter Airlines, presumably), she strutted across baggage carousels surrounded by dancers dressed as astronauts, UPS workers, firefighters, and ER doctors.
Hey Grammys, how ya doing? It’s your captain Sabrina speaking.
Playing up her tongue-in-cheek sexpot persona, Carpenter sang “Manchild” into an intercom at one point and used runway traffic wands as props.
She finished perched on a baggage cart before heading into a plane fuselage holding a live dove. Among those grooving along? Best New Artist nominee Olivia Dean.
Best New Artist Block Showcases Future Stars
Learning from last year’s success, Grammy producers grouped Best New Artist nominees into one high-octane segment.
The Marías kicked things off with shimmery bilingual dream-pop in “No One Noticed Me.” Then influencer-turned-pop-artist Addison Rae literally jumped off a moving truck entering Crypto.com Arena to deliver sweaty, sultry “Fame Is a Gun.”
Six-piece girl group Katseye brought gymnastics and booty-shaking to “Gnarly,” followed by Leon Thomas’ guitar-driven “Mutt.”
Alex Warren grabbed a microphone from a popcorn vendor, walked through aisles performing “Ordinary” despite apparent earpiece issues, then ascended on a platform.
British powerhouse Lola Young took over seated at piano for “Messy,” before Olivia Dean delivered an exuberant “Man I Need.”
Moody pop star sombr closed out the block, lowered onto stage in a spangly jumpsuit performing “12 to 12.”
Last year’s winner Chappell Roan then announced Olivia Dean as 2025’s Best New Artist.
Justin Bieber’s Stripped-Down Stunner
Justin Bieber walked onto the Grammy stage wearing nothing but shimmering gray boxer shorts and gray socks.
Yes, really.
With a guitar slung across his bare back, Bieber programmed loops for “Yukon” before singing along with eyes often closed, standing opposite a full-size mirror.
No background graphics. No musicians. No elaborate stage design. Just raw vulnerability.
One wrong move, and we would have had to put the show on OnlyFans.
Host Trevor Noah joked afterward, but Bieber’s mesmerizing, somber performance stood in stark contrast to highly produced sets like Tyler, the Creator’s explosive affair featuring sports cars and gushing water.
Wife Hailey Bieber swayed and snapped her fingers, clearly moved.
Now 31 and a new father, Bieber returned to Grammys after four years away—once a child star discovered on YouTube at 12, now showcasing artistic maturity.
In Memoriam Goes Hard
Forget harps and sad ballads—this year’s In Memoriam section rocked.
Post Malone joined Chad Smith, Duff McKagan, Slash, and Andrew Watt for a leather-clad, fire-bursting rendition of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” honoring Ozzy Osbourne.
Ozzy’s wife Sharon and kids Kelly and Jack appeared deeply moved.
Ms. Lauryn Hill led tributes to D’Angelo with a medley including “Nothing Even Matters,” “Brown Sugar,” “Lady,” “Devils Pie,” and “Untitled (How Does It Feel),” joined by Raphael Saadiq, Jon Batiste, and Anthony Hamilton.
She then pivoted to honor Roberta Flack with “First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” and others featuring John Legend, Chaka Khan, Leon Bridges, and Wyclef Jean.
Reba McEntire, Brandy Clark, and Lukas Nelson performed “Trailblazer,” while pre-recorded tributes saw Bruce Springsteen honor Brian Wilson and John Mayer pay respects to Bob Weir.
It was a stacked, rollicking goodbye celebrating musical giants who shaped generations.