Trad wives and modest fashion may be on the rise in the overall cultural zeitgeist, but Sunday’s Grammy Awards showed that the music industry is still strongly supporting progressive ideologies—even as the global political trend shifts toward far-right movements. The 2025 Grammys highlighted the many-faceted talents of women, LGBTQ+, and people of color through over-the-top performances and professional accolades.
The event felt like an apt metaphor for the state of the world. The richest and most influential people gathered inside for the music event of the year while Los Angeles continued to burn around them. However, like a phoenix through the ashes, young talent took to the stage, showing those at home that there is still a place for people like them.
While Republican members of Congress debate and propose bills that would further set women’s rights back decades by nationally banning abortion and limiting access to contraception, the women at the Grammys didn’t seem to care. On the red carpet, they flaunted their sensuality, and on stage, they owned their bodies. Doecii, who would go on to become the third woman ever to receive the award for Best Rap Album, showcased her power in a rendition of “Denial is a River,” which saw the artist strip out of the modest conventions of a Catholic school uniform into a red, white, and blue underwear set.
Doechii’s on-stage transformation into just her drawers wasn’t a grab for the male gaze but a nod to the communities she represents. The sports bra and underwear weren’t intended to draw in sex appeal but instead to highlight her strength and individuality.
Later in the night, Chappell Roan performed a rendition of her hit song “Pink Pony Club” surrounded by dancers in clown makeup with a giant pink pony statue behind her. The performance seemed to be a subtle nod to “Do You Hear The People Sing,” with an ending pose mirroring that of the famous musical number.
Roan spent her night championing the people in a move that clashed with conservative politics. From her song choice – a piece about female liberation – to her red carpet remarks about trans rights to her Best New Artist acceptance speech, Roan was a beacon of hope for any LGBTQ+ people afraid of what their futures may hold. She wasn’t alone in her sentiments; later in the night, Lady Gaga declared, “Trans people are not invisible. Trans people deserve love. The queer community deserves to be lifted. Music is love.”
The biggest clash between culture and politics came when Beyonce was awarded Best Country Album, a first for a Black woman in one of music’s most conservative genres. When she walked to the stage, Beyonce looked in shock. Her win came as a surprise after backlash from the country industry led her to be shunned from the CMA awards.
“I think sometimes ‘genre’ is a code word to keep us in our place as artists,” Beyonce said as she accepted her award. “And I just want to encourage people to do what they’re passionate about and stay persistent.”
Beyonce’s words remained some of the most powerful of the night. They sent a message that culture can prevail over politics and that nobody is relegated to remaining in the boxes society puts them in.
