The Recording Academy aired the 2025 Grammys Awards on Feb 2. This year’s Grammy nominees included new artists and historical moments for women, both of color and artists of the LGBTQ+ community.
This year’s nominees were dominated by women, as women usually take up 13% of the Grammy categories while men take up over 86%. This year, it was boosted to 28% of female nominees and 69% of male nominees.
After scoring 11 nominations this year, Beyoncé made history as being the first Black woman in this century to win ‘Album of the Year’ with “COWBOY CARTER” since Lauryn Hill won in 1999. She also was the first Black artist to win ‘Best Country Album,’ and the first Black woman in over 50 years to win in a country category. She’s the most nominated and winning Grammy artist in history, with 99 nominations and 35 wins.
This year’s Grammys highlighted historical moments and speeches from women. These women spoke out about issues going on in the industry and in America.
Doechii won ‘Best Rap Album’ from her mixtape “Alligator Bites Never Heal;” she is the first woman to be nominated in ‘Best Rap Album’ this decade and the third woman and openly bisexual woman to win in this category, the only other two being Cardi B in 2018 and Lauryn Hill in 1999.
Doechii gives an inspiring speech specifically to Black women during her acceptance speech. “I know there is some Black girl out there, so many Black women out there that are watching me right now, and I want to tell you, you can do it. Anything is possible. Don’t allow anybody to project any stereotypes on you.”
Chappell Roan won ‘Best New Artist’ at this year’s Grammys. The Midwest Princess gave a speech calling out record labels’ mistreatment toward artists for not providing livable pay and healthcare. “I told myself, if I ever won a Grammy, I would get up in front of the most powerful people in music, I would demand that labels in the industry profiting millions of dollars off of artists would offer a livable wage and healthcare, especially to young artists.”
Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars won ‘Best Pop Duo Performance’ for “Die with A Smile.” During their acceptance speech, Lady Gaga expressed her love to the transgender community. “Trans people are not visible,” Gaga said, accepting her award. “Trans people deserve love. The queer community deserves to be lifted up.”
These women had many highlights in their speeches on speaking on racial issues or queer related issues. During this time of new social challenges against women, both of color and the LGBTQ+ community, these speeches brought representation for minorities to light.
