The 2025 Grammy Awards showcased an electrifying medley featuring the remarkable talents of this year’s best new artist nominees: Benson Boone, Doechii, Teddy Swims, Shaboozey, and Raye. Their stunning performances captivated the audience on Sunday evening, February 2, highlighting the incredible potential and star power of these rising artists. This year’s nominees not only demonstrated their musical prowess but also set the stage ablaze with their captivating stage presence and lively interactions, making it a memorable night for music lovers everywhere.
Benson Boone opened the show with a captivating performance of his hit song ?Beautiful Things,? delivered from the heart of the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. His infectious energy drew him closer to Heidi Klum and Nikki Glaser, where an unexpected twist unfolded as the duo playfully removed his black tuxedo, revealing a dazzling baby blue jumpsuit underneath. Boone then leaped onto the stage, where he showcased his acrobatic skills by performing a backflip off a grand piano, all while passionately belting out the chorus. This dynamic display not only showcased his vocal abilities but also his ability to engage and entertain the audience.
Following Boone, Doechii took the stage with an unforgettable rendition of her track ?Catfish? from her acclaimed mixtape Alligator Bites Never Heal, which had just earned the Grammy for best rap album earlier that evening. With her backup dancers dressed in coordinated Thom Browne outfits, they formed an impactful visual display, culminating in a dramatic reveal where Doechii was left in her bra and underwear. DJ Miss Milan encouraged her to share her experiences, prompting Doechii to dive into a jazzy version of ?Denial Is a River.? This hit, which recently charted at No. 56 on the Billboard Hot 100, was brought to life through a theatrical performance that highlighted her artistic depth, leaving the audience in awe of her talent.
Teddy Swims then took the tempo down a notch with an emotional performance of his chart-topping single ?Lose Control,? accompanied only by a pianist and guitarist. His heartfelt delivery resonated deeply with the audience, showcasing his powerful vocal range and emotional expression. Shortly after, Shaboozey made a striking entrance under a single spotlight, singing a snippet of his latest single, ?Good News,? before transitioning into his massive hit ?A Bar Song (Tipsy),? which dominated the Hot 100 chart for an impressive 19 weeks. The stage came alive with a vibrant display as cowgirls in matching purple leather outfits and cowboys in sleek black ensembles danced around a purple paisley print backdrop, creating a visually stunning performance.
Finally, Raye graced the stage in a breathtaking black sequined gown, captivating the audience with her performance of ?Oscar Winning Tears.? Her powerful vocal delivery, particularly during the song’s climactic finale, earned her a well-deserved standing ovation from the audience. Raye’s performance highlighted her immense talent and solidified her standing as one of the most promising artists in the industry, proving that she is indeed a force to be reckoned with in the music scene.
The coveted best new artist award ultimately went to Chappell Roan, who made an impactful statement during her acceptance speech. She called on music labels to prioritize the health and financial well-being of their artists, emphasizing the need for better healthcare and support systems within the industry. Her powerful words resonated with many, highlighting the challenges faced by emerging artists while also paving the way for necessary changes to support their careers.
