Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX, And Doechii's Incredible Performances At The 2025 Grammys Have Sparked A Conversation About How The Next Generation Of Artists Are Changing The Game

Ziya Jaffrey

4 February 2025 at 12:53 pm·4-min read

Anyone else feel like they’re still in recovery mode from the whirlwind that was the Grammy Awards on Sunday night?

Person in stylish, short, draped dress walking on a red carpet. Photographers line the sides, taking pictures at the event — Neilson Barnard / Getty Images for The Recording Academy

It seems like we’re all in agreement that this event was so much fun that it’s making us kinda suspicious.

Two people in elegant gowns on stage, holding an award, with an audience in the background — Cbs Photo Archive / CBS via Getty Images

The Grammy’s were a little TOO good this year…. one last pup cup before we get put down. pic.twitter.com/tjVq3KcCV2
— a (@boopyape) February 3, 2025

Twitter: @boopyape / Nickelodeon

We had legendary moments like Lady Gaga’s 14th Grammy, Kendrick Lamar winning half of the Big Four with “Not Like Us,” and most importantly, Beyoncé FINALLY receiving Album of the Year for Cowboy Carter.

Person in an elegant patterned gown holding a Grammy award on stage, smiling at the audience — Kevin Winter / Getty Images for The Recording Academy

However, one thing that seemed to have everyone reeling was the quality of the performances, especially from the newer generation of artists.

Yesterday, Billboard released their official ranking of the Grammy performances, including stages by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, The Weeknd, and Shakira. But interestingly, the top five spots all went to artists from the younger generation.

Billie Eilish took fifth place with her performance of “Birds of a Feather” — a tribute to Los Angeles after the devastating wildfires. Sabrina Carpenter came in fourth place with her mashup of her hit songs “Espresso” and “Please Please Please.”Third place went to Chappell Roan, who sang “Pink Pony Club,” and second went to Charli XCX, who performed BRAT hits “Von Dutch” and “Guess.” First place went to Doechii, who became the third woman ever to win Best Rap Album on Sunday night. — Billie Eilish took fifth place with her performance of “Birds of a Feather” — a tribute to Los Angeles after the devastating wildfires. Sabrina Carpenter came in fourth place with her mashup of her hit songs “Espresso” and “Please Please Please.”

Third place went to Chappell Roan, who sang “Pink Pony Club,” and second went to Charli XCX, who performed *BRAT* hits “Von Dutch” and “Guess.” First place went to Doechii, who became the third woman ever to win Best Rap Album on Sunday night.

Amy Sussman / Getty Images

And while Charli is more of an honorary Gen Z than anything else, fans online were quick to point out that this new generation of artists seems to be putting the performance in Grammy performance.

Performer on stage kneeling, wearing stylish sunglasses and a blue outfit. Surrounded by backup dancers in casual attire — Kevin Winter / Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Sabrina’s act consisted of her channeling old Hollywood and classic physical comedy, referencing a 1978 Goldie Hawn performance with her disappearing as she descended down a set of stairs.

Person on stage in a sparkling blazer and tie, performing energetically with a microphone — Kevin Winter / Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Her act was full of gags and staged mishaps to the delight of the audience, and a clip of her performance has racked up almost 25 million views on X.

A singer in a feathered fringe dress performs energetically on stage with two backup dancers, all wearing stylish outfits — Emma Mcintyre / Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Performing the smash hit “Guess,” Charli XCX brought the house down as she was joined onstage by literally everyone and their mom.

Singer energetically performing on stage, surrounded by a lively crowd dancing and cheering — Valerie Macon / AFP via Getty Images

They danced while underwear rained down — underwear that was to be donated to survivors of domestic violence, as stated by a message onscreen.

People performing energetically on stage, with a focus on one wearing a denim-themed outfit, surrounded by others in varied costumes — John Shearer / Getty Images for The Recording Academy

And despite “Good Luck, Babe!” being her breakout song, Best New Artist recipient Chappell Roan elected to sing her LGBTQ+ anthem “Pink Pony Club.”

Performer in a glittery outfit rides a large, pink, carousel-style horse onstage, singing energetically. Stage backdrop features colorful patterns — Amy Sussman / Getty Images

And given the Trump administration’s recent anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, Chappell's song choice was regarded as a powerful move by viewers online.

Performer in an elaborate costume with bold makeup and curly hair, wearing a detailed corset-style outfit, likely on stage or in a performance setting — One viral post read, “chappell speaking up about trans rights and better health care and going on to perform pink pony club and win best new artist at the grammys right after trump takes office is going to go down as a historical moment in grammys history really.”

Kevin Winter / Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Doechii’s performance — ranked number one by Billboard — was a standout moment of the ceremony. Stars in the audience such as Jay-Z, Billie Eilish, and SZA were all seen in awe after the “Denial Is a River” rapper took the stage, and well…you can’t blame them.

Performer in a stylish athletic outfit with striped detail, energetically dancing and singing on a stage surrounded by dancers and mist — Christopher Polk / Billboard via Getty Images

More than anything, it seems the viewers noticed how the new gen is emphasizing theatrics in their performances. This was mentioned by Doechii herself as she chatted about her creative process with Cosmopolitan after her performance.

Performer in a stylish outfit held aloft by backup dancers in coordinated suits on stage during a lively show — Emma Mcintyre / Getty Images for The Recording Academy

“This performance is one of the most difficult performances I’ve ever done and I really felt a need to push myself harder than I ever had before,” the Grammy winner said. “It meant everything to prove myself tonight to me. So it was about Broadway and theater and art, and I think I brought that to the stage.”