Following a week of devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, there were moments of uncertainty about whether the annual spectacle of the Grammys should proceed.

However, by adding a fundraising initiative and honoring heroic firefighters during the event, the prestigious music awards show skillfully navigated the sensitive atmosphere, creating several memorable highlights during its 67th celebration.

The evening began with some controversial moments on the red carpet, notably when Ye arrived with his nearly nude wife, Bianca Censori, and reporters bypassing Babyface for an interview with Chappell Roan. Yet the main show remained focused on its core mission: honoring music with exceptional performances by Billie Eilish, Charli XCX, and Doechii.

Let’s look back at the standout moments of the night, including Beyoncé’s long-awaited win for album of the year and Roan’s call-out to music labels for their lack of support for emerging artists.

Beyoncé earns album of the year and best country artist

Beyoncé won the prestigious album of the year award for her country music project “Cowboy Carter,” which reflects her deep Houston, Texas roots. “I feel so fulfilled and honored,” Beyoncé expressed. “It’s taken many years, and I’m grateful to the Grammys, every songwriter, collaborator, and producer who contributed so much hard work.”

She joins a small group of Black women who have received this award: Natalie Cole (1992), Whitney Houston (1994), and Lauryn Hill (1999).

This long-awaited recognition comes after a notable oversight by the Country Music Association, which did not nominate her album for any awards previously.

Earlier in the night, a visibly surprised Beyoncé took the stage to accept the Grammy for best country artist, presented by none other than Taylor Swift.

“Genre is a term used to constrain artists. I encourage everyone to pursue their passions and remain steadfast. Honestly, I am still in disbelief,” Beyoncé shared as she stood proudly as her husband Jay-Z and their daughter Blue Ivy watched.

Grammys pay tribute to fire-affected Los Angeles with Randy Newman’s opening number

Organizers of the awards show pledged to bring a “renewed sense of purpose” following the multiple fires that impacted Los Angeles in January. They aimed to highlight not just the victims and first responders but the solidarity of the city as a whole.

What better way to showcase this than through music? An all-star band led by local musicians Dawes, consisting of Taylor Goldsmith and Griffin Goldsmith, performed Randy Newman’s classic tune “I Love L.A.,” expressing their support for the community despite their own losses.

The band featured other music industry luminaries such as Sheryl Crow, Brittany Howard, St. Vincent, Brad Paisley, and John Legend on keyboards.

Shakira, Lady Gaga, and Chappell Roan advocate for the trans community and immigrants

The Grammys on Sunday evening demonstrated that music and art can carry important political messages.

After receiving their awards, artists like Shakira, Chappell Roan, Lady Gaga, and Bruno Mars used their platform to speak up for the trans community, immigrants, and emerging talent in the industry.

In her acceptance speech for best Latin pop album, Shakira reached out warmly to her “immigrant brothers and sisters,” asserting, “You are deserving and valued, and I will stand by you.” Later in the broadcast, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars accepted the award for best pop duo and simply stated, “Trans people are not invisible; they deserve recognition. Music embodies love.”

However, Roan’s performance provided a spectacular tribute to the LGBTQ+ community.

Celebrating her recent win as best new artist, Roan electrified the Crypto.com Arena with her vibrant performance of “Pink Pony Club.” Her show featured rodeo clowns and even a giant pink pony, symbolizing her love for Los Angeles where she felt free to express herself.

Roan’s song served as a crucial declaration against recent efforts by the Trump administration to limit LGBTQ+ rights. Just hours after his inauguration, he signed an order affirming “only two sexes.”

Speaking to GLAAD earlier in the evening, Roan remarked, “It’s a tough time, but trans people have existed forever, and they will always thrive regardless of constraints. Trans joy is essential and must be fiercely protected.”

The Weeknd returns to the Grammys after ending his boycott

The four-time Grammy winner made headlines in 2020 when he criticized the awards for their lack of diversity and announced he would boycott the show in the future.

However, this year, The Weeknd made his comeback, fueled by his recent album and tour announcement. Ahead of his performance, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. reflected on The Weeknd’s previous boycott and the subsequent critiques that surfaced early in Mason’s tenure.

“I remember waking up to headlines about The Weeknd addressing the Academy’s lack of transparency in our awards process,” Mason shared. “Criticism is important, and I appreciated his passion.”

Mason also highlighted the Grammys’ efforts to diversify their membership with a focus on inclusivity. “There’s more work to be done, but I truly believe we are on the right track,” he concluded before introducing The Weeknd, who performed “Cry For Me” and “Timeless.”

Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake feud escalates after Lamar’s Grammy wins

Has the Kendrick Lamar versus Drake rivalry reached a verdict? Lamar’s viral diss track aimed at the Canadian rapper took home two major awards—record of the year and song of the year.

“Not Like Us,” at the center of their ongoing conflict, triumphed over nominees including Taylor Swift, The Beatles, and Beyoncé. Notably, during the Grammys broadcast, some pointed lyrics from the song were played, yet Lamar chose to keep things civil, avoiding mentions of the feud during his acceptance remarks.

“First and foremost, I give thanks to the most high for this new day,” Lamar remarked, dedicating his wins to his hometown of Compton and to “the people and families in the Palisades and Altadena. This proves that we can make a difference and restore our community. Keep thriving.”

Lamar is set to perform his Grammy-winning song during the Super Bowl LIX halftime show on February 9.