Honest Reviews of Every Performer at the Grammys, Featuring Chappell Roan and Billie Eilish
The Grammy Awards on Sunday have big shoes to fill.
Last February, performances by Joni Mitchell and Miley Cyrus left us in awe, along with Luke Combs and Tracy Chapman’s heartfelt rendition of Chapman’s 1988 hit “Fast Car.” This year’s lineup is packed with stars, including Billie Eilish, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, and Lady Gaga, all ready to perform at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The event follows an all-star benefit concert for wildfire relief in Los Angeles, headlined by Pink and a Nirvana reunion that generated a lot of buzz last Thursday.
Below are some highlights and lowlights from the 2025 Grammys:
Chris Martin, ‘All My Love’
During the emotionally resonant “in memoriam” segment, Coldplay’s lead singer showcased his impressive vocal ability with a straightforward yet powerful piano performance. While it was touching, it didn’t quite match the poignancy of past tributes, such as the standout medley performed by Cynthia Erivo, Rachel Zegler, Leslie Odom Jr., and Ben Platt at the 2022 Grammys.
Cynthia Erivo, Herbie Hancock, Lainey Wilson, Stevie Wonder, Janelle Monáe: Quincy Jones Tribute
The acclaimed producer was celebrated with an extended medley that honored multiple generations of music. Though some parts lagged, especially during Lainey Wilson’s “Let the Good Times Roll” and Stevie Wonder’s “We Are the World,” Cynthia Erivo captivated the audience with her stunning vocal agility on “Fly Me to the Moon.” Janelle Monáe also impressed with an energetic moonwalk while performing Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough.”
Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga, ‘California Dreamin’’
Lady Gaga wowed viewers by debuting her music video for “Abracadabra,” well showcasing her return to her electronic and gothic roots. Earlier in the evening, she teamed up with Bruno Mars for a hauntingly beautiful cover of the folk-rock hit “California Dreamin’,” revealing yet another layer of her incredible vocal talent.
Benson Boone, Doechii, Teddy Swims, Shaboozey, Raye: Best New Artist Medley
During the performance on Sunday night, this year’s crop of best new artists outshone many established acts. Teddy Swims delivered a gritty performance with “Lose Control,” while Shaboozey impressed with “Good News” and “A Bar Song (Tipsy).” Raye left the crowd in awe with her powerful voice during “Oscar Winning Tears.”
Boone and Doechii also truly stole the show with their dynamic stage presence. Boone’s energetic front-flip during “Beautiful Things” evoked memories of Freddie Mercury’s flair. Meanwhile, Doechii commanded attention with her sharp rapping on “Catfish” and “Denial is a River,” excelling in choreography with an enthusiastic dance crew, marking one of the most visually striking performances in Grammy history.
Chappell Roan, ‘Pink Pony Club’
After successfully shining on festival stages, Roan confirmed her status as an exhilarating live performer. Riding a giant pink horse, she transformed the Grammys stage into a vibrant spectacle adorned with cacti, tumbleweed, and dancing rodeo clowns. Celebrating her identity and pride, Roan proudly waved pink, white, and blue flags, making bold statements during the performance, which was both joyous and necessary.
Sabrina Carpenter, ‘Espresso’ and ‘Please Please Please’
The pop sensation showcased her charming personality and theatrical flair in her first Grammy performance with a lively big-band arrangement of her catchy hit “Espresso.” After a playful reveal involving a giant staircase, Carpenter pulled off a retro-inspired tap dance in a captivating blue bodysuit, truly exemplifying her talents as a performer and an actress alike.
Billie Eilish, ‘Birds of a Feather’
The sibling duo delivered a heartfelt performance of their surprise sensation from Eilish’s album “Hit Me Hard and Soft.” Eilish, who has been on an extensive tour since last fall, offered a softer rendition of the final chorus, resulting in a deeply touching experience as they performed against a picturesque backdrop of their childhood in LA, sharing nostalgic photos throughout.
Dawes, ‘I Love L.A.’
Brothers Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith kicked off the show with an all-star ensemble that included John Legend, Brad Paisley, Sheryl Crow, Brittany Howard, and St. Vincent. The performance was a lively tribute to Los Angeles but had its quirks: Randy Newman originally wrote the song in 1983 as a sarcastic commentary on the city’s glamor and gritty realities. Although it might have been better served by a medley showcasing LA’s rich musical diversity, the goodwill behind this performance was undeniable.