There were mixed reactions to this year’s Grammy Awards. Many big names were up against one another, each with dedicated fan bases and critics alike.

Keyleigh Amstutz, known better by her stage persona, Chappell Roan, took home the Grammy for Best New Artist. Amstutz is the performing artist and singer behind hit single “Good Luck, Babe!” and the 2023 album “Rise and Fall of the Midwest Princess.” In her acceptance speech, Amstutz addressed and criticized the music industry, calling them to treat their workers better by providing proper healthcare and paying a living wage.

“I think it’s good that she’s speaking out,” Aubrey Peneguy (10) said. “She’s made a career for herself, and she’s using her voice to say important things.”

Kendrick Lamar won a total of five Grammys for his hit single “Not Like Us,” including Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Best Music Video, Best Rap Song, and Best Rap Performance. The track was a part of a series of diss tracks written by Lamar and directed at fellow rapper Drake, criticizing his musical career, personal life, and accusing him of inappropriate behavior with underage persons.

“His awards are deserved,” Kristina Hernandez, AP Capstone Seminar and English teacher said. “Kendrick Lamar is a lyrical genius.”

R&B artist Beyoncé won Album of the Year and Best Country Album with her eighth studio album, Cowboy Carter. This award makes her the first Black woman to have won an award in the latter category. Beyoncé is best known for her pop/R&B style, so this award came as a shock to many.

“I don’t think Beyoncé deserved Album of the Year,” Sarah Coon (11) said. “Don’t get me wrong, she’s an amazing artist all around, but I think she should stick to what she does best, because she does do it the best.”

The 2025 Grammy Awards show was as glamorous and sensationalized as ever, but also the beginning of many new firsts in musical history.