The 2025 Grammy Awards were packed with performances from literal start to finish. First, Dawes kicked off the show with some help from John Legend, Sheryl Crow, Brad Paisley, Brittany Howard, and St. Vincent with a tribute to the city of Los Angeles (the city’s recovery from the devastating L.A. wildfires was a major theme of the night). But this was far from the only major performance of the night, which included a surprise number by The Weeknd and a tribute to Quincy Jones featuring a Cynthia Erivo, Stevie Wonder, and more.
Now, while the Grammys are a time to celebrate, not all performances are made equal, and it has fallen to me to round up the best performances of the 2025 Grammys. Here are the top 5 Grammy performances of 2025, ranked from brat to jaw-dropping.
5. Charli xcx
It’s only right that Charli xcx bring BRAT to the Grammys stage. The singer performed “Von Dutch” and “Guess,” bringing serious underground club vibes to the awards show. She was supported by friend, Julia Fox, who got a birthday shout-out at the end of the number, and clearly everyone watching wishes they were onstage dancing alongside her. That’s brat.
READ MORE ABOUT CHARLI’S GRAMMYS PERFORMANCE HERE
4. The 2025 Best New Artists
Arguably the best segment of the night? The Best New Artist nominees who didn’t get featured solo slots and performed back-to-back. Benson Boone did not one but two backflips while singing his hit “Beautiful Things,” followed by Doechii (more on her below), Teddy Swims belting out “Lose Control,” Shaboozey making everyone dance with “Good News” and “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” and Raye rounding out the group with a chill-inducing performance of “Oscar Winning Tears.”
3. Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter brought the house down with her Grammys performance—a medley of her hits “Espresso” and “Please Please Please”—which more than proved why she went on to win Best Pop Vocal Album for Short ’n Sweet. The number was giving old Hollywood, starting with a jazzy take on “Espresso” and featuring elaborate musical theater choreography including a tap dance break. In short, it was immediately iconic and had the audience on their feet.
READ MORE ABOUT SABRINA’S GRAMMYS PERFORMANCE HERE
2. Chappell Roan
Chappell Roan brought the “Pinky Pony Club” to the 2025 Grammys with a performance complete with a giant pink pony and background dancers of cowboy clowns (echoing her signature white makeup look). Chappell had the entire crowd on their feet singing along, including Chase Stokes, Alicia Keys, and Janelle Monáe. And she even capped off her performance with a subtle show of support for the transgender community featuring blue, white, and pink flags.
READ MORE ABOUT CHAPPELL’S GRAMMYS PERFORMANCE HERE
1. Doechii
Doechii performed in the middle of a Best New Artist nominees showcase, sandwiched in between songs from Benson Boone and Teddy Swims, but her renditions of “CATFISH” and “Denial Is a River” were clear standouts. An absolutely thrilling showcase, Doechii’s performance was cinematic, complete with background dancers in matching Thom Browne, a moving stage, and elaborate choreography that captivated the audience. This is the moment everyone will be talking about for years to come. If you weren’t a Doechii fan before, you are now. You’re welcome.
READ MORE ABOUT DOECHII’S GRAMMYS PERFORMANCE HERE
Of course, there were plenty of other big Grammys moments, too, like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé’s awards show reunion, Chappell Roan’s message for the trans community, and whatever happened with Kanye. You can read all about the 2025 Grammys here.
