From the moment the night’s nominees and performers were announced, it was clear that queer women would be the beating heart of the 2025 Grammys. With Chappell Roan, Doechii, Billie Eilish, and Cynthia Erivo all set to take the stage, the show was brimming with queer energy before it even started. But what transpired went beyond expectations—it was an all-out, unapologetic declaration of queer artistry, community, and resilience.
Related: From Sparkle To Suits: Queer Celebs Rock Grammys Red Carpet
Beyond the historic wins and jaw-dropping performances, the night was also focused on a major cause: raising money for those affected by the devastating LA fires. “You know, it’s often 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,” Grammys host Trevor Noah told the crowd. By the end of the show, over $7 million had been donated by attendees and viewers at home.
Now, let’s get into the gayest moments of the 2025 Grammys:
Chappell Roan showed love to the trans community on the red carpet
During a pre-show interview with GLAAD hosts Chrishell Stause and Anthony Allen Ramos, Roan attributed much of her success to trans women. “I would not be here without trans girls,” she said. “Pop music is thinking about you and cares about you.”
St. Vincent won big during the pre-telecast show
Annie Clark, AKA St. Vincent, quietly collected Grammys for Best Alternative Music Album (All Born Screaming), Best Alternative Music Performance (“Flea”), and Best Rock Song (“Broken Man”). During her acceptance speech for Best Rock Song, Clark thanked her “beautiful family — my wife Leah and our beautiful daughter.” A queer rock legend, securing her legacy.
Brittany Howard and St. Vincent opened strong
Brittany Howard and St. Vincent took the stage alongside Sheryl Crow, John Legend, Brad Paisley, and Dawes to kick off the ceremony with a moving performance of Randy Newman’s “I Love L.A.” The tribute honored those impacted by the recent California wildfires, celebrating the strength of the Los Angeles community.
Billie Eilish performed “Birds of a Feather”
Billie Eilish performs "Birds of a Feather" along with her brother Finneas at the 2025 #Grammys pic.twitter.com/SSmmSTX247
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) February 3, 2025
Next, Billie Eilish delivered a poignant rendition of her hit single “Birds of a Feather,” dedicating it to her hometown of Los Angeles. The awards hadn’t even begun, and three queer performers had already set the tone for the night.
Doechii shut down stereotypes and jocked out
And speaking of awards…Doechii became the third woman to win Best Rap Album, for her mixtape Alligator Bites Never Heal. She dedicated her speech to Black women, declaring, “You’re exactly who you need to be to be right where you are.”
For those who missed it, here is DOECHII’s full Grammy Performance 🐊 pic.twitter.com/KukywjIMsX
— Team TOP DAWG ENT. – Fan Page (@_TopDawgEnt_) February 3, 2025
Later, she returned to the stage to gag the crowd with a performance of “DENIAL IS A RIVER” and “CATFISH” in a jockstrap-inspired look. Honestly, we needed the whole commercial break just to catch our breath and take in how incredible it was.
Chappell Roan turned the Grammy stage into a gay club fantasy
🎥| Chappell Roan’s full performance of "Pink Pony Club" tonight! pic.twitter.com/BlEqFgBzC5
— CRN (@ChappellRoanNow) February 3, 2025
Roan’s performance of “Pink Pony Club” featured a posse of gay-coded rodeo clowns, an enormous pink pony (obviously), and a cheeky “My Drink is Karma” billboard. In a prerecorded artist intro, she talked about what it was like being gay in her small hometown and finding the freedom to express herself in LA.
Still a bit winded from the show-stopping, Gay-as-Christmas performance, Roan took home Best New Artist and used her speech to advocate for livable wages and health care reform in the music industry.
Lady Gaga debuted a new single and showed love to trans and queer communities
No one does drama like Mother Monster. Out of nowhere during a commercial break, she dropped a brand new single and video for “Abracadabra” off her forthcoming album Mayhem.
Then during her Best Pop Duo acceptance speech with Bruno Mars, Gaga brought the crowd to its feet when she said, “Trans people are not invisible. Trans people deserve love, the queer community deserves to be lifted up. Music is love.”
Cynthia Erivo and Janelle Monáe honored Quincy Jones as only they could
Cynthia Erivo gets a standing ovation during the tribute to Quincy Jones at the 2025 #Grammys pic.twitter.com/PCpbRaSF2D
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) February 3, 2025
The Grammys honored the legendary record producer Quincy Jones with a tribute following his passing in November. Erivo delivered a stunning rendition of “Fly Me to the Moon” with Herbie Hancock on piano, while Monáe paid homage to Jones’ Off The Wall era with a sparkling suit and a powerhouse performance—complete with moonwalk—of “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough.”
Janelle Monáe performs "Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough" during the Quincy Jones tribute at the 2025 #Grammys pic.twitter.com/yvre306N38
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) February 3, 2025
Charli XCX closed out the show with a parking garage rave and swept the Dance/Electronic categories
Charli xcx made it a BRAT Grammys with her performance #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/1C5u16b2f8
— SOUND | Victor Baez (@itsavibe) February 3, 2025
Flanked by supermodel Alex Consani, Charli turned the Grammys into a literal underground party after winning Best Dance/Electronic Album (Brat), Best Recording Package (Brat), and Best Dance Pop Recording (“Von Dutch”). By the time the party reached the stage, even Julia Fox had joined the crew. It was the brat ending the night deserved.
Until next year, let’s keep the volume turned up, our voices raised, and keep making the world just a little bit gayer—because, as we saw on Sunday, that’s exactly where the magic happens.