The 2025 Grammy Awards experienced a decline in viewership compared to the previous year, attracting 15.4 million viewers on CBS, down from 16.9 million in 2024. This year's telecast featured high-stakes moments, including anticipation surrounding Beyoncé's potential win for Album of the Year and a surprise appearance by The Weeknd.
Hosted by Trevor Noah, the three-plus-hour event showcased performances from prominent artists such as Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, and Charli XCX, celebrating the year's most popular music. The broadcast took place against the backdrop of Los Angeles, which has been dealing with the aftermath of recent wildfires.
In terms of awards, Kendrick Lamar secured two of the evening's top honors, winning both Song and Record of the Year for his track "Not Like Us." Additionally, Shakira was recognized for her work in Latin pop, winning the award for her album "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran."
The ratings reflect a broader trend in award show viewership, which has seen fluctuations in recent years. While the 2024 Grammy Awards enjoyed a significant increase in viewership, this year's results suggest a possible shift in audience engagement. It is worth noting that the ratings reported only account for CBS viewers, as the telecast was also available for streaming through the Paramount+ With Showtime package.