From Beyonce’s first Album Of The Year win for COWBOY CARTER to Best New Artist Chappell Roan, the 2025 GRAMMYs were full of high notes in the heart of Los Angeles. Music’s Biggest Night paid tribute to L.A. and the greater Southern Californian music communities affected by wildfire devastation and raised significant funds for MusiCares Fire Relief.
Host Trevor Noah’s opening monologue echoed words of unity and resilience amongst community members, artists and first responders alike.
“It’s often said that in the darkest times the best of humanity shines through, and the people of Los Angeles right now are a perfect example of that,” Noah reflected.
Backstage at the Recording Academy’s media center and press room, GRAMMY U spoke with several GRAMMY winners as they stepped off stage to discuss the vital role music plays in uplifting their communities during difficult times.
Read on for insights from John Legend (Best Arrangement, Instrumental, or A Capella), St. Vincent (Best Rock Song, Best Alternative Music Performance, and Best Alternative Music Album), and Amy Allen (Songwriter of the Year).
John Legend Speaks on How Music is the Gift that Keeps on Giving
John Legend won his thirteenth GRAMMY this year for Best Arrangement, Instrumental, or A Capella with collaborators Jacob Collier and Tori Kelly for “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
As an avid collaborator, the singer/songwriter comments on the importance of using music as a coping mechanism, especially during unprecedented circumstances such as the Los Angeles wildfires.
“I feel so fortunate that we get to make music that really helps people heal, feel comforted during tough times [and] helps people feel inspired,” Legend said when asked how music uplifts his own communities. “It’s such a gift and I feel so fortunate that we are part of giving that gift to other people.”
St. Vincent Celebrates the Power of Music and Diversity
St. Vincent won three of four nominations in the categories of Best Rock Song, Best Alternative Music Performance, and Best Alternative Music Album. The now six-time GRAMMY winner opened the show alongside John Legend, Brad Paisley, Sheryl Crow, and Brittany Howard for a special performance of Randy Newman’s “I Love LA.”
“Music has saved my life every time I needed it to,” St. Vincent said.
St.Vincent discussed the importance of empathy and celebrated the increasing visibility for the LGBTQAI+ and queer community.
“That’s the unique power of music. Whether it’s listening to it or making records, music is the best thing I know of, besides love. That’s it, that’s all we got,” she shares.
Amy Allen Reflects During Historic Win for Female Songwriters
Amy Allen becomes the first woman to win Songwriter Of The Year since the category was introduced in 2023. Allen’s string of pop credits includes work with Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, and Justin Timberlake. This year, Allen was also nominated in the categories of Album Of The Year, Song Of The Year, and Best Song Written for Visual Media.
Allen expressed gratitude for being part of the Los Angeles music community after her attendance at the FireAid Benefit Concert. Hosted by Live Nation, the benefit concert took place at Kia Forum and Intuit Dome, and included performances from GRAMMY-winning artists Billie Eilish, Katy Perry, and Stevie Nicks.
“Watching so many of the performers, especially Joni Mitchell, has been an inspiration to me. A really poignant message from one person decades ago can still continue to resonate and bring people together in hard times,” Allen said.
She discussed how her music is influenced by generations of songwriters and singers.
“[It reminds us] of our humanity and why coming together is so important. It makes me feel really, really excited to be part of the music community here.”
The 2025 GRAMMYs not only celebrated musical excellence but also highlighted the resilience of the Los Angeles music community in the wake of the recent wildfire disaster. Through reimagined programming and dedicated fundraising efforts, Music’s Biggest Night reinforced the power of music as a source of healing, unity, and support for those affected.