And The Grammy Goes To…

This year’s Grammy Awards were a spectacle, bringing out both celebration and controversy. As always, the event had its fair share of critics, theory majors, and self-proclaimed gatekeepers debating the merit of each win. While some victories felt justifiable, others left room for discussion.

One of the most talked-about moments was Beyoncé’s historic win for Country Album of the Year—a groundbreaking achievement that was well-earned despite some pushback from purists. However, the conversation around Album of the Year was much more contentious. While Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” was a substantial project, many felt Billie Eilish’s “Hit Me Hard and Soft” was more deserving. Billie’s album was one of the year's most critically acclaimed and sonically cohesive projects, making its loss surprising to some. On the rap side, Kendrick Lamar's sweeping with “Not Like Us” was expected and widely accepted. The track not only dominated charts but also served as the definitive exclamation point in his feud with Drake, closing the chapter with finesse. Yeah, sales numbers don’t always equate to artistic merit, and Doechii winning Rap Album of the Year for “Alligator Tears Never Bite” was a well-earned victory. While “We Don’t Trust You” was a massive commercial success with undeniable production and cultural impact, Doechii’s album was a raw, innovative, and deeply personal body of work that pushed boundaries in rap.

The argument over sales versus artistry always comes up, but if the Grammys were purely about numbers, awards would be given to whoever charted the highest. Doechii’s win proves that creativity, storytelling, and artistic growth still hold weight. She poured her soul into “Alligator Tears Never Bite,” and even if some people felt slighted, this was a moment that solidified her as a powerhouse in the rap game. It’s refreshing to see an artist like her get recognition on such a big stage, even if the conversation surrounding the win is polarizing. However, when it came to Record of the Year, Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” felt like the clear frontrunner, given its impact and cross-genre appeal. The song became a cultural moment, blending country and hip-hop influences in a way that resonated with a broad audience, so its loss raised eyebrows.

Also, what made the night even more entertaining was that Kai Cenat’s livestream brought a whole different energy to the Grammys. While TV cameras focused on prominent attendees like Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, and Jaden Smith, Kai was behind the scenes, giving an authentic, unfiltered view of the event. Seeing him interact with artists, fan out over some of his favorites, and genuinely enjoy the experience made it feel more relatable and personal. It’s wild how Kai has built a platform where he can be at these major events and still bring his raw, comedic energy without toning it down. His reactions, interactions, and the wholesome moments he captured made it feel like we were all experiencing the Grammys with him. Moments like these show how streaming and digital media are shifting the way award shows are perceived—sometimes, the behind-the-scenes content is just as entertaining as the actual event. Despite the debates, some wins were undeniably well-deserved. Sabrina Carpenter walking away with two Grammys felt like justice served, solidifying her place in the industry as more than just a rising star—she’s here to stay. Her performance was also one of the night’s biggest highlights, especially with the addition of Chapelle Roan, Charli XCX, and others, who brought incredible energy to the stage. Overall, the night was filled with monumental wins, unexpected upsets, and unforgettable performances. While everyone has their own take on who should have won what, at the end of the day, the Grammys did what they always do—ignite conversations and keep music lovers engaged.