Nothing can stop the Grammys from getting political. The 2025 Grammy Awards were filled with moments almost guaranteed to get MAGA nation riled up, as artists used their platforms to speak up about trans rights, healthcare, immigration, and DEI initiatives.
Chappell Roan talks about protecting “trans joy.”
Before the ceremony even began, Roan took the opportunity to speak out about trans rights in a red carpet interview. “It’s brutal right now, but trans people have always existed and they will forever exist,” she said. “I would not be here without trans girls. So, just know that pop music is thinking about you and cares about you. And I’m trying my best to really stand up for you in every way I can.”
Doechii has a touching message for any Black girls and women watching the Grammys.
In her acceptance speech for best rap album, Doechii noted that she was just the third woman to win the award since the category was created. She also said, “I know there’s some Black girl [and] so many Black women watching me right now. And I wanna tell you, you can do it. Anything is possible. Don’t allow anybody to project any stereotypes on you.”
Lady Gaga offers support to the trans and queer community.
Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars accept the award for best pop duo performance.
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While accepting her win for best pop duo performance alongside Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga took a moment to acknowledge trans and queer communities. “Trans people are not invisible. Trans people deserve love, the queer community deserves to be lifted up. Music is love. Thank you,” she said, to a standing ovation.
Chappell Roan talks healthcare.
In her second barn burner speech of the evening, Roan accepted her award for best new artist with a message for record labels. “I told myself if I ever won a Grammy…I would demand that labels and the industry profiting millions of dollars off of artists would offer a livable wage and healthcare, especially to developing artists,” she said.
Shakira speaks out about immigration.
Shakira accepts the award for best latin pop album.
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“I, too, have been an immigrant who came to this country with a dream,” said the singer as she accepted the award for best latin pop album. “Latinos, we are an unstoppable force. I will not tire of fighting with them and for them.”
Alicia Keys says DEI is “not a threat.”
Alicia Keys took on the right’s attack of DEI policies directly as she accepted the Grammys’s global impact award. “This is not the time to shut down the diversity of voices,” she said on stage. “We’ve seen on this stage talented, hardworking people from different backgrounds with different points of view, and it changes the game. DEI is not a threat, it’s a gift.”
Charli XCX brings trans activists and models on stage.
Charli XCX and performers at the 67th GRAMMY Awards.
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During her performance of “365” and “Guess,” Charli XCX brought two trans models and activists, Alex Consani and Richie Shazam, on stage with her. Her whole act was also just generally provocative and sexual, too. And if there’s one thing that conservatives—regardless of time or place—are going to hate, it’s implied sex. But hey, that’s brat!
