68th Annual Grammy Awards

Overview: The Biggest Night in Music

The 68th Grammy Awards celebrated excellence across genres, honoring artists for work released during the eligibility period from August 31, 2024 to August 30, 2025. The ceremony was hosted by Trevor Noah and aired live from Los Angeles. 

This year’s show was notable not just for stellar performances and historic wins but also for cultural moments that reflected broader conversations in music and society.

Top Awards Recap

Album of the Year

The most coveted prize, Album of the Year, was awarded to Bad Bunny for Debí Tirar Más Fotos. This marked the first time a fully Spanish-language album earned this honor, a landmark moment for Latin music on the global stage. 

Record of the Year

Kendrick Lamar & SZA won Record of the Year for “Luther,” a collaboration that connected rap and soul influences, further solidifying Lamar’s legacy. 

Song of the Year

Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell took home Song of the Year for “Wildflower,” highlighting their continued strength as songwriters in the industry. 

Best New Artist

Olivia Dean was honored as Best New Artist, a significant milestone in her rising career. 

Major Genre Wins and Moments

Beyond the big four categories, the ceremony highlighted diversity across styles and sounds:

• Best Rap Album went to Kendrick Lamar’s GNX, helping him break records as the most-awarded rapper in Grammy history.  
• Lady Gaga earned accolades, including Best Pop Vocal Album for Mayhem.  
• Lola Young won Best Pop Solo Performance for “Messy,” showcasing new pop talent.  
• Rock and alternative genres were recognized with awards like Best Rock Album for Turnstile and Best Alternative Music Album for The Cure’s Songs of a Lost World.  

In country, Jelly Roll claimed Best Contemporary Country Album, while global and African music were also celebrated with wins by artists like Tyla. 

Cultural and Social Impact

This year’s Grammys were marked by social commentary and activism:

• Many attendees wore anti-ICE pins and used acceptance speeches to address immigration and social justice issues, making it one of the more politically charged ceremonies in recent memory.  
• Bad Bunny, while accepting his awards, spoke about cultural identity and the importance of representation, especially for Latino communities in music.  

Performances and Presentation

The show featured memorable performances from a range of artists across genres. Iconic collaborations, high-energy sets, and genre-blending moments underscored the breadth of contemporary music. Notable performers included Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Clipse with Pharrell Williams. 

Notable Trivia and Historical Notes

• Bad Bunny’s Album of the Year win is one of the most historic moments of the night, as Debí Tirar Más Fotos became the first Spanish-language album ever to win in this category.  
• Kendrick Lamar’s multiple wins (including tying or surpassing previous records) reaffirmed his influence on the rap and broader music landscape.  
• The ceremony also brought recognition to diverse international and genre-bending artists, including K-pop, rock, and global music.  

Summary

The 68th Annual Grammy Awards was more than just a celebration of music. It was a cultural event that reflected artistic excellence, historical milestones, and the evolving dynamics of the music industry. From record-breaking wins to socially resonant moments, the night underscored how music continues to shape and respond to the world around it.