The awards ceremony kicks off with a tribute performance to LA wildfire victims, as surprise wins set the stage for a night full of anticipation.
Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX Shine with Early Grammy Wins

Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX Shine with Early Grammy Wins
Sabrina Carpenter claims best pop solo performance and Charli XCX takes home multiple dance/pop awards during the initial Grammy ceremony.
Sabrina Carpenter has made her mark in the world of music by winning the first Grammy Award of 2025 for her vibrant hit, "Espresso," securing the title of Best Pop Solo Performance. The British singer-songwriter Charli XCX also celebrated a significant evening, winning several early prizes, including Best Dance/Pop Album for her edgy club offering, "Brat," and Best Dance/Pop Song for the lead single "Von Dutch." These accolades mark Charli's first-ever Grammys as a solo artist.
The Grammy Awards ceremony currently unfolds during the "premiere ceremony," preceding the star-studded main event scheduled for later tonight at 5 p.m. in Los Angeles and 1 a.m. in London. The event began with a poignant performance of Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water," which was dedicated to the victims of recent wildfires in Los Angeles. Notable artists Yolanda Adams and Angelique Kidjo showcased a powerful, gospel-infused take on the classic, honoring the bravery of first responders.
President and CEO of the Grammys, Harvey Mason Jr., remarked on the importance of music as a unifying force, emphasizing that the awards would celebrate not only musical excellence but also the resilience of the Los Angeles community following the devastating wildfires. This year, Beyoncé leads the nominations, showcasing her country-influenced album "Cowboy Carter" with an impressive 11 nods. She has already secured the award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group for her collaboration with Miley Cyrus on "II Most Wanted."
However, she faced stiff competition in the Best Country Song category, which went to Kacey Musgraves for "The Architect," a reflective piece that addresses the darkness of current events. Musgraves positioned her win as a beacon of hope amid a world filled with turmoil, highlighting the transformative power of song.
The nominees for the coveted Album of the Year include heavyweights such as Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift, Chappell Roan, rapper André 3000, and the aforementioned Beyoncé— a category that has seen Beyoncé nominated four times without a win to date. With both Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX in contention for Best Album, fans are excitedly speculating whether their early successes will enhance their chances of securing the night's top honor.
Neither Sabrina nor Charli attended the premiere ceremony to collect their early accolades, as both are set to perform during the main event later this evening. Charli's producer, Finn Keane, accepted the award for "Von Dutch" on her behalf, praising her as a visionary artist who has been ahead of the curve in dance music for the past decade.
The Grammy Awards ceremony currently unfolds during the "premiere ceremony," preceding the star-studded main event scheduled for later tonight at 5 p.m. in Los Angeles and 1 a.m. in London. The event began with a poignant performance of Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water," which was dedicated to the victims of recent wildfires in Los Angeles. Notable artists Yolanda Adams and Angelique Kidjo showcased a powerful, gospel-infused take on the classic, honoring the bravery of first responders.
President and CEO of the Grammys, Harvey Mason Jr., remarked on the importance of music as a unifying force, emphasizing that the awards would celebrate not only musical excellence but also the resilience of the Los Angeles community following the devastating wildfires. This year, Beyoncé leads the nominations, showcasing her country-influenced album "Cowboy Carter" with an impressive 11 nods. She has already secured the award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group for her collaboration with Miley Cyrus on "II Most Wanted."
However, she faced stiff competition in the Best Country Song category, which went to Kacey Musgraves for "The Architect," a reflective piece that addresses the darkness of current events. Musgraves positioned her win as a beacon of hope amid a world filled with turmoil, highlighting the transformative power of song.
The nominees for the coveted Album of the Year include heavyweights such as Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift, Chappell Roan, rapper André 3000, and the aforementioned Beyoncé— a category that has seen Beyoncé nominated four times without a win to date. With both Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX in contention for Best Album, fans are excitedly speculating whether their early successes will enhance their chances of securing the night's top honor.
Neither Sabrina nor Charli attended the premiere ceremony to collect their early accolades, as both are set to perform during the main event later this evening. Charli's producer, Finn Keane, accepted the award for "Von Dutch" on her behalf, praising her as a visionary artist who has been ahead of the curve in dance music for the past decade.