Bad Bunny sat alone, rubbing his eyes in disbelief as the crowd erupted around him.
The Puerto Rican superstar had just made history, winning Album of the Year for “Debí Tirar Más Fotos”—the first Spanish-language album ever to claim the Recording Academy’s top prize.
But while Bad Bunny’s emotional victory stole headlines, the 67th Annual Grammy Awards delivered nearly four hours of unforgettable performances, surprise moments, and powerful tributes that reminded everyone why music’s biggest night still matters.
From Justin Bieber stripping down to his boxer shorts to Lady Gaga’s manic energy and Sabrina Carpenter transforming the stage into an airport terminal, here’s everything that made this year’s ceremony memorable.
High-Octane Energy From Start to Finish
Bruno Mars and Rosé from K-pop sensation Blackpink launched the ceremony with explosive chemistry, performing their viral hit “APT.”—a song inspired by a South Korean drinking game that became one of 2024’s biggest tracks.
Rosé commanded attention in a white tank top, black slacks, and tie while Mars matched her energy in a dark suit with his guitar slung across a checkerboard strap. Jumping, shredding guitar solos, and billowing smoke created a raucous opening that set the tone for the entire night.
Midway through the broadcast, Lady Gaga maintained that momentum with her performance of “Abracadabra.” Emerging in a feather-festooned costume from inside a basket-like headpiece, she wielded a gnarly cane, played synths, twitched dramatically, and delivered a rock-funk version that showcased her theatrical genius.
Gaga later collected the trophy for Best Pop Vocal Album, while Mars returned for his latest single “I Just Might,” proving both artists remain at the peak of their powers.
Sabrina Carpenter’s Airport Extravaganza
Sabrina Carpenter transformed the Grammys stage into a fully functioning airport terminal during her performance of “Manchild”—and it absolutely soared.
Playing her signature sexpot, tongue-in-cheek persona, Carpenter strutted across a stage filled with baggage carousels in white hot pants, a white neckerchief, and a captain’s hat emblazoned with “SCA”—presumably Sabrina Carpenter Airlines.
Hey Grammys, how ya doing? It’s your captain Sabrina speaking.
Dancers dressed as astronauts, UPS workers, firefighters, and ER doctors populated her overflowing set. She sang into an intercom, used runway traffic wands as props, and ended dramatically on a baggage cart before disappearing into a plane fuselage holding a live dove.
Best New Artist nominee Olivia Dean was among those shown grooving along. The elaborate performance marked Carpenter’s second consecutive Grammy appearance after earning a Best New Artist nomination last year.
Best New Artist Block Showcases Music’s Future
Building on last year’s success, producers once again grouped Best New Artist nominees into a continuous performance block—and despite wildly different styles, each artist proved the future of music shines bright.
Los Angeles-based band the Marías opened with shimmery, bilingual dream-pop of “No One Noticed Me.” Influencer-turned-pop-artist Addison Rae then appeared on the back of a moving truck entering Crypto.com Arena, jumping off to deliver a sweaty, sultry “Fame Is a Gun.”
Six-piece girl group Katseye brought high-energy choreography with “Gnarly,” incorporating gymnastics and synchronized dancing. Leon Thomas followed with guitar-driven “Mutt,” then Alex Warren grabbed a microphone from a popcorn vendor and walked through the aisles performing “Ordinary”—apparently battling earpiece difficulties before being hoisted skyward on a platform.
British powerhouse Lola Young took her turn seated at a piano for “Messy,” followed by old-soul British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean with an exuberant “Man I Need.” Moody pop star sombr closed the block, lowered onto stage in a spangly jumpsuit for “12 to 12.”
Last year’s winner Chappell Roan then anointed her successor: Dean took home the coveted trophy.
Justin Bieber’s Stripped-Down Statement
Justin Bieber stood alone on the Grammy stage wearing only shimmering gray boxer shorts and gray socks, delivering a mesmerizing, somber performance of “Yukon.”
The shirtless Bieber programmed his song with a guitar slung across his back, then sang with eyes often closed, positioned opposite a full-size mirror. The minimalist approach echoed Ed Sheeran’s loop-pedal technique, showing audiences how to build a hit song from nothing but layered instruments and raw vocals.
Host Trevor Noah couldn’t resist joking afterward:
One wrong move, and we would have had to put the show on OnlyFans.
Bieber’s darkly moody set featured zero background graphics, musicians, or stage décor. He simply walked off when finished—a stark contrast to Tyler, the Creator’s highly produced performance featuring sports cars, gushing water, and explosions.
Wife Hailey Bieber swayed and snapped her fingers throughout, clearly moved by her husband’s vulnerable performance. The former child star, discovered on YouTube at age 12, returned to the Grammys at 31 after a four-year absence as a new father.
An Unforgettable In Memoriam Segment
Forget harps and sad ballads—this year’s In Memoriam tributes rocked with substance and soul.
Post Malone, Chad Smith, Duff McKagan, Slash, and Andrew Watt delivered a blistering version of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” honoring Ozzy Osbourne, complete with fire bursts and plenty of leather. Osbourne’s wife Sharon and children Kelly and Jack appeared deeply moved.
Ms. Lauryn Hill led tributes to D’Angelo with medleys spanning “Nothing Even Matters,” “Brown Sugar,” “Lady,” “Devils Pie,” “Untitled (How Does It Feel),” and “Africa,” joined by Raphael Saadiq, Jon Batiste, and Anthony Hamilton.
Hill then pivoted to honoring Roberta Flack, performing “First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” “Compared to What,” “Closer I Get To You,” “Where Is the Love,” “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” and “Killing Me Softly with His Song” alongside John Legend, Chaka Khan, Leon Bridges, and Wyclef Jean.
Additional tributes included:
- Reba McEntire, Brandy Clark, and Lukas Nelson performing “Trailblazer”
- Bruce Springsteen honoring Brian Wilson in pre-recorded tribute
- John Mayer paying respects to Bob Weir
Together, these performances created a rollicking, heartfelt goodbye to musical giants who shaped generations.