☰
☰
The 2025 Grammys were packed with unforgettable performances, historic wins, and, of course, some truly awkward and outrageous moments. From unexpected appearances to uncomfortable red-carpet interactions, this year’s ceremony gave viewers plenty to talk about. Whether it was onstage mishaps, viral reactions, or bizarre fashion choices, here are ten moments that had the internet buzzing.
Image Credits: theopinion
After publicly declaring in 2021 that he would boycott the Grammys indefinitely, The Weeknd made a dramatic and unexpected return to the stage. Not only did he perform two songs, but he did so after Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. delivered a speech that was essentially an apology. As if that wasn’t enough, massive video screens displayed headlines from the initial boycott in a clear attempt to acknowledge past controversies. While some fans saw this as a historic moment of reconciliation, others couldn’t help but find the entire situation overly theatrical and painfully awkward.
Image Credits: Amy Sussman / Getty Images
Image Credits: JC Olivera / Wireimage
During the 2025 Grammy Awards, Taylor Swift quite literally made space for actress Cynthia Erivo in a moment that quickly went viral. As host Trevor Noah kicked off his monologue, Erivo was seen wandering through the venue, seemingly unsure of where to sit. Without hesitation, Swift invited her to share her seat, ensuring she had a place. Another widely shared clip showed Swift gently holding Erivo’s finger, a gesture that immediately reminded fans of the now-famous “holding space” meme—originating from an interview where Ariana Grande solemnly grasped Erivo’s hand during an emotional moment.
Image Credits: CBS
Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter took home Country Album of the Year, making history in the process. However, when the camera panned to country artists Kacey Musgraves and Lainey Wilson, their facial expressions suggested they might not have been thrilled about the outcome. Social media quickly dissected their reactions, with some viewers insisting it was a classic case of side-eye, while others defended them, saying they were simply caught off guard. Regardless, their reactions became one of the night’s most talked-about moments.
Image Credits: Recording Academy / GRAMMYs
Hosting the Grammys for the fourth time, Trevor Noah found himself on the receiving end of internet backlash after he mispronounced “Hawk Tuah”—a reference to the viral phrase that took over social media in early 2025. While it was likely an innocent mistake, fans couldn’t help but cringe at the moment, especially since the phrase had become a pop culture staple by then. For some, it was just a harmless flub, but for others, it was proof that Noah hadn’t quite kept up with internet trends.
Image Credits: CBS
R&B legend Babyface was in the middle of an interview on the red carpet when he was rudely interrupted by AP hosts who were more interested in catching Chappell Roan’s attention. Instead of giving Babyface the respect he deserved, they completely cut him off mid-sentence, making for a wildly uncomfortable exchange. Fans were outraged at the blatant disrespect, with many pointing out that an artist of his stature deserved far better treatment. Later, the reporters were forced to properly apologize for the moment.
Image Credits: Associated Press
Bianca Censori, the wife of Kanye West, made headlines and dropped jaws by showing up on the red carpet in what was essentially no clothing at all. The sheer, barely-there ensemble left absolutely nothing to the imagination, sparking outrage and debate about fashion boundaries at major award shows. Many questioned whether there was a limit to how much skin could be shown at a formal event.
Image Credits: Recording Academy / GRAMMYs
Jaden Smith has always embraced unconventional fashion, but this year, he took things to a whole new level. The rapper and actor arrived wearing a massive castle-shaped headpiece, leaving onlookers confused and amused. While some saw it as a bold artistic statement, others couldn’t help but compare him to a walking amusement park attraction. Either way, the look was instantly memed across social media.
Image Credits: Recording Academy / GRAMMYs
Singer-songwriter Clairo found herself in an incredibly awkward moment when a red carpet interviewer told her that “the bisexual men of Brooklyn” believe she makes music for them. Instead of responding right away, Clairo was visibly stunned and unsure how to react, leading to one of the most painfully silent pauses of the night. The internet quickly latched onto the moment, with some praising her for handling the strange comment with grace, while others cringed at the secondhand embarrassment.
Image Credits: ELLE
Red carpets can be glamorous, but they can also be dangerous—just ask Keltie Knight. The E! News host suffered an embarrassing fall while covering the arrivals, slipping in what was possibly one of the most dramatic stumbles in Grammy history. Cameras caught the entire moment, and while she quickly recovered, social media had a field day replaying the clip. Some sympathized with her misstep, while others joked that the carpet itself was trying to steal the spotlight.
Kendrick Lamar’s dominant performance at the Grammys could be seen as a major moment in his long-running rivalry with Drake. His multiple wins made for an uncomfortable night for Drake’s fans, especially as Lamar took the stage in a denim-on-denim outfit—often referred to as a “Canadian tuxedo.” However, despite speculation from some viewers, Lamar did not call out Drake during his Record of the Year acceptance speech. Instead of saying, “Drake, what’s up?” as some misheard, he was addressing Dr. Dre with, “Dre, what’s up?”
Image Credits: Recording Academy / GRAMMYs
From shocking appearances to awkward red-carpet encounters and viral mishaps, the 2025 Grammys gave fans plenty of memorable moments to dissect. Whether it was The Weeknd’s unexpected return, Bianca Censori’s barely-there outfit, or Jaden Smith’s architectural headpiece, this year’s ceremony was full of surprises, controversies, and meme-worthy reactions. Love them or hate them, these moments ensured that the Grammys remained a topic of conversation long after the final award was handed out.
