Grammys 2025: To snub or not to snub?

The 2025 Grammys had us feeling Short and Sweet as it closed out a spectacular year of music with performances, tributes, and awards.  However, some felt Blue and disappointed over the winners and results of categories like Record of the Year and Country Album of the Year.

“I don’t think the Beyoncé album was that good…I personally think Billie Eilish should have won. Hit Me Hard And Soft has been all over the internet, I can’t go a day without hearing at least 2 songs of hers,” said OH sophomore Faith Smith.

Beyoncé has been the center of attention as many believe her country album, Cowboy Carter, shouldn’t have won compared to its nominees in both the Country Album of the Year and Album of the Year categories. 

“I found it a bit unfair that someone who isn’t originally known to be a country singer won over the others who have been involved in that genre for their entire career,” said OH senior Jazzy Abella. 

Beyoncé took some time away from pop and started to explore other genres like country. This caused mixed feelings among the public as she broke norms. 

However, Post Malone, who previously settled in the R&B genre, was nominated for Best Country Album as well.

“Lots of people are hating and being super microaggressive towards Beyoncé as if she chose to win & Cowboy Carter wasn’t innovative and such a risk of her to take considering her style of music,” OH senior Alyssa Grays said.

The system of voting by the recording academy goes through several rounds, starting with the screening process. This process is to ensure each nominee is featured in the correct category. Then, the voting process goes through over 1,300 academy members and is collected, counted, and presented at the awards ceremony.

In addition to the awards, various artists and nominees perform throughout the show. Artists prepare one song from their nominated album or record. 

“My favorite performance was Charli XCX because no one was really doing anything, they were just dancing and vibing,” said OH junior Lia Ramiez.

Performances are used as blockers between the different awards and commercials. They feature sets and backup dancers to fit the mood of the songs. This year Sabrina Carpenter performed her award-winning song, Espresso, in a comedic light.

“I liked Sabrina [Carpenter’s performance] because she incorporated some musical theatre comedy…I enjoyed that,” OH drama teacher, Katherine Conant said.

There were two tribute performances during the night, a tribute to producer Quincy Jones, with Will Smith, Cynthia Erivo, Lainey Wilson, Stevie Wonder, Janelle Monae, and Herbie Hancock on piano. The other was the in-memorium section sung by Coldplay. 

“[The Quincy Jones tribute] was beautiful, Cynthia Erivo is so good,” Conant said.

The Weeknd, who was this year’s guest performer, gave another notable performance. Many viewers were shocked by this appearance as The Weeknd shared his negative views on how the Grammys work. 

Throughout the night, many felt as the ceremony dragged on through its performances and awards, making the program run for about 3 hours and 30 minutes. However, this does not include the preshow red carpet show, which makes it about a seven-hour event. 

“Way too many commercials and they need to showcase more awards, it is an awards show,” OE senior Courtney Framer said.

The Grammys as a whole are a widely watched and loved event to celebrate the stories music can create. Through constant change, the academy takes pride in making the event successful and accepting for all.

“I feel like there are always snubs at the Grammys, so this year really felt no different,” said Conant.

Looking for more award season content? Check out 42Fifty’s Opinion article on the lack of award season’s relevance and the hype around the Oscars!