The Grammys: A Night of Congratulations and Controversies

By: Ellen Kirifides

The Grammys never lack drama, and 2026 was no exception. For a quick recap, the 2025 Grammys were nothing short of controversial. People couldn’t agree on whether Beyoncé’s album Cowboy Carter fit the country category, and Bianca Censori’s practically see-through dress caught everyone’s attention. Disagreements over winners, performances, and fashion are certainly nothing new. Hillers too have diverse music tastes, favorite artists, and very different opinions on the rightful winners of the night. 

Some students are passionate about music, such as Leanna Geerts, the top Soprano 1 in the state. “I’m happy that Billie Eilish got an award,” Leanna says. In 2025, Billie Eilish was seen in tears because she didn’t receive a single Grammy for her album Hit Me Hard and Soft. After such a letdown, many fans are relieved to see her get the recognition they believe she deserves. Even students who claim not to care much about these things still find themselves having an opinion. “I’m not passionate about the Grammys," sophomore Amy Mathews says, "but I think Wildflower should have won record of the year. At least it won best song of the year.”

Billie Eilish was also nominated for record of the year, but did not win. Kendrick Lamar took that award. In the past few years, Kendrick Lamar has been a controversial figure. Some love him, and some hate him, whether that be for his music or as a person. Sophomore Sadie Sheppard shares her distaste for all Kendrick songs. When she opened her computer to look through the night’s winners, she exclaimed, “Record of the year, Kendrick Lamar? No thanks. Instantly, no Kendrick Lamar anything. Anything by him should not have won. I think Sabrina Carpenter should have won. I like Sabrina Carpenter.” Full of strong opinions, Sadie also states, “Anxiety by Doechii should not have won.” Many students agree that this new version detracts from the original tune of Somebody That I Used to Know by Gotye. The song gained fame after trending on social media apps because of its catchy and familiar beat, but this new version quickly got old. 

Music is not the only source of debate at the Grammys. Debates sparked over Chappell Roan’s modern but revealing outfit. Several students couldn’t get past the unconventional look. Aashni Patel, a sophomore, shares, “I do not like Chappell Roan’s outfit. It makes me uncomfortable.” Like with anything new, it is different and strange at first, but was this move too far? Amy Mathews responded, “Chappell Roan’s look was very interesting. It alarmed me for sure.” For the most part, students see this dress as way too bold a move for national television, but sophomore CiCi Flynn sees a different angle. When asked for opinions of Chappell Roan’s dress, she remarked, “It was crazy, absurd, and even the color was different. It was cool, though. I liked it.” CiCi believes that while it is unconventional, the dress’s differences make it unique and something new in the fashion world. 

Though there are many negative opinions, the Grammys are not without their celebrations of deserving artists. This year was filled with tons of new songs and albums that are worth celebrating. While there was plenty of drama and controversy, it’s important to remember that every artist worked hard to earn their place on that stage. Whether that recognition is subtle, like Junior Camille Moritz sharing, “I like that Bad Bunny and Olivia Dean won,” or you’re more enthusiastic about your favorite singer, like Sadie Sheppard, who screamed, “WOOOO THE CURE WON LOVE LOVE LOVE,” in the middle of the HUB, the celebration makes it worthwhile. And at the end of the day, the Grammys aren’t just about trophies or awards; they’re about celebrating the music that connects people from all over the world.

If you're interested in the other nominees and winners, you can check them out here!