The 2025 Grammy Awards were nothing short of spectacular, with dazzling performances, emotional speeches, and plenty of fashion moments that had everyone talking. However, it wasn’t just the flawless moments that captured the attention of viewers—this year’s ceremony was filled with awkward, cringe-worthy incidents that left fans in shock and made headlines for all the wrong reasons.
From mispronunciations and snubs to questionable fashion choices and controversial statements, the 2025 Grammys were marked by a series of uncomfortable encounters. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into 15 of the most unforgettable, and painfully awkward, moments that left the audience gasping.
1. Kendrick Lamar Seems To Say “Drake, What’s Up?”
The tension between Kendrick Lamar and Drake has been a long-standing topic in the music industry, with fans and media often speculating about the nature of their relationship. So, when Kendrick Lamar took the stage at the 2025 Grammys to accept his Record of the Year award, everyone was on high alert, waiting for what he might say.
As he delivered his acceptance speech, Lamar’s greeting sounded almost like a jab at Drake. “Drake, what’s up?” he said, leaving fans on edge. But, much to the relief of those hoping for peace, Kendrick actually said “Dre, what’s up?” referring to the legendary Dr. Dre, not his Canadian rival. It was an awkward moment for Drake fans who had been eagerly watching, but Lamar’s casual comment turned out to be harmless.
Kendrick Lamar takes home Song of the Year for “NOT LIKE US” – watch his powerful 2025 GRAMMYs acceptance speech!
2. Chappell Roan Calls Out Music Labels
In an unexpected moment of raw honesty, Chappell Roan used her Grammy acceptance speech to call out the music industry for its treatment of artists. As she stood before the most powerful figures in music, Roan passionately spoke out about being “betrayed” by the system. She revealed that, after being signed to a label as a minor, she was dropped without warning and left without a job or the means to secure insurance during the pandemic.
Her comments, “Labels, we got you, but do you got us?” resonated with many, sparking a debate on social media about the ethical treatment of musicians. While some appreciated her courage to speak up, others criticized her for what they saw as complaining. Roan’s bold speech highlighted a major issue in the music industry, but it also made for a rather uncomfortable moment for the audience.
3. Taylor Swift and Cynthia Erivo’s “Holding Space” Meme Moment
When actress Cynthia Erivo was having difficulty finding her seat at the 2025 Grammys, none other than Taylor Swift stepped in to help. Swift made sure to “hold space” for Erivo, literally calling her to join her at the table, and they shared a seat together. This moment didn’t just make headlines for its sweet gesture—it quickly turned into a viral meme.
Fans couldn’t stop talking about Swift’s kind act, especially after the actress was seen grabbing Erivo’s finger in a way that seemed to mimic the infamous “holding space” meme from a previous viral moment between Erivo and Ariana Grande. The whole interaction was a genuine act of kindness, but it left fans chuckling and questioning if it was a bit too staged.
4. Trevor Noah’s Mispronunciation of “Hawk Tuah”
Trevor Noah is known for his witty and sharp commentary, but during the 2025 Grammys, his pronunciation of “Hawk Tuah” left many viewers scratching their heads. As the host introduced the artist, Noah stumbled over the name, pronouncing it as “hook twa.”
The blunder didn’t go unnoticed, and social media was quick to respond, with one viewer joking, “Thank you Trevor Noah for making me explain ‘Hawk Tuah’ coin to my mom.” While Noah’s South African accent may have caused confusion, the mispronunciation quickly became a running joke throughout the ceremony.
5. Bianca Censori Bares It All on the Grammys Red Carpet
Bianca Censori, wife of rapper Ye (formerly Kanye West), made waves at the 2025 Grammys with a highly revealing outfit. Censori stepped onto the red carpet wearing a completely see-through dress, sparking an immediate backlash. The ensemble, which left very little to the imagination, caused quite a stir, with many viewers questioning the appropriateness of such an outfit for a prestigious event like the Grammys.
Reports soon followed claiming that the couple was escorted out by security after the incident, though some sources later clarified that they left voluntarily. Regardless, this fashion choice was undoubtedly one of the most awkward and talked-about moments of the night.
Bianca Censori and Kanye West turn heads at the 2025 Grammys – fashion triumph or over the top? Watch the video and decide for yourself!
6. Jaden Smith Wears a Castle on His Head
Jaden Smith’s fashion choices have often been unconventional, but at the 2025 Grammys, he took things to a whole new level by wearing a massive castle headpiece. The 26-year-old star made an entrance in a black Louis Vuitton suit, but it was the sculptural “Vampire Castle” headpiece by ABODI that truly made him the center of attention.
The ridiculous nature of the headpiece sparked an outpouring of online criticism, with one social media user commenting, “Looks like a Halloween outfit for a 5-year-old.” The outlandish accessory was certainly a conversation starter, but not everyone was a fan of Smith’s bold choice.
7. Keltie Knight’s Red Carpet Fall
E! News correspondent Keltie Knight suffered a highly embarrassing moment at the 2025 Grammys when she tripped and fell on the red carpet. Dressed in a stunning Atelier Zuhra strapless chainmail gown, Knight stumbled in her towering Aquazzura platform heels, drawing gasps from the audience.
While the fall was certainly cringe-worthy, Knight took it in stride, sharing the moment on Instagram with the caption, “WHY DOES SOMETHING HAPPEN ON EVERY RED CARPET. JUST LET ME LIVE.” Despite the mishap, Knight’s resilience and sense of humor won her fans.
8. Babyface Snubbed for Chappell Roan
One of the more awkward moments at the 2025 Grammys happened during an interview when reporters were caught snubbing 13-time Grammy winner Babyface in favor of first-time Grammy winner Chappell Roan. As Babyface politely attempted to engage in conversation with the reporters, they suddenly shifted their attention to Roan, causing the legendary singer to walk away in frustration.
The moment sparked online debates about professionalism, with some fans criticizing the reporters for their lack of respect toward Babyface. Eventually, an apology was issued, but the awkwardness was palpable.
9. Clairo’s Reaction to “Bisexual Men of Brooklyn” Question
During a red carpet interview, Clairo found herself in an uncomfortable position when an interviewer asked if she had anything to say to the “bisexual men of Brooklyn” who believed she made music specifically for them. The singer was visibly taken aback, replying with a long, awkward “Ummmmmm…” before the interviewer awkwardly moved on.
The awkwardness of the moment was not lost on social media, with fans calling out the interviewer’s inappropriate question. Many agreed that Clairo handled the situation with grace, but the exchange certainly made viewers cringe.
10. The Weeknd’s Surprise Performance After Grammys Boycott
The Weeknd’s return to the Grammys was a major surprise, considering his public boycott of the event following the snubbing of his “After Hours” album in 2021. However, after four years of absence, The Weeknd shocked fans by performing at the 2025 Grammys, leading to mixed reactions from those who remembered his strong stance against the awards show.
Despite his surprise performance, many felt conflicted about his return, especially given his prior criticisms. The performance was powerful, but the underlying tension around his appearance created a bit of awkwardness throughout the night.
11. Will Smith’s Return to the Grammys
Will Smith made his first appearance at the Grammys since the infamous “slap” incident at the Oscars, leading to a mix of reactions. Some fans were happy to see him back, while others questioned why he was allowed to attend, given his ongoing ban from the Academy Awards.
While Smith presented a tribute to Quincy Jones, his appearance caused some discomfort, with many viewers expressing their opinions on social media. Regardless of the controversy, Smith’s return was a major talking point at the 2025 Grammys.
12. Trevor Noah’s Offensive Joke During the Opening Monologue
Trevor Noah, known for his sharp wit and humor, made a controversial statement during his opening monologue at the 2025 Grammys. In a joke about Shakira, he said, “the greatest thing to come out of Colombia that isn’t a Class A felony.” The remark was met with backlash from viewers, especially those of Colombian descent, who found the comment offensive and insensitive.
Noah’s joke, along with other controversial remarks about “illegal immigrants,” sparked outrage online, leading many to call for an apology.
13. Charli XCX’s Performance Interrupted by Commercial Break
Charli XCX’s highly anticipated performance at the 2025 Grammys was unfortunately cut short by a commercial break, leaving fans frustrated. While the lights were flashing and the crowd was dancing, viewers at home missed part of her performance, causing an outpouring of disappointment on social media.
While the interruption was beyond her control, it still left a sour taste for those who were excited to see Charli XCX’s full performance.
14. Benson Boone’s Crotch Grab During Performance
Benson Boone’s performance at the 2025 Grammys was marked by an awkward moment when he appeared to grab his crotch mid-performance. The unexpected gesture quickly went viral, sparking a flood of reactions from viewers.
Fans and critics alike questioned the choice, with many finding it uncomfortable to watch. Some speculated that Boone was just trying to adjust, while others found the moment overly inappropriate for such a public stage.
15. Kacey Musgraves and Lainey Wilson’s “Shady” Reactions to Beyoncé’s Win
When Beyoncé made history by winning the Grammy for Best Country Album, the reactions from Kacey Musgraves and Lainey Wilson didn’t go unnoticed. Their facial expressions during the announcement sparked a wave of criticism from fans, with many pointing out their apparent lack of enthusiasm.
The moment quickly went viral, with social media users debating whether their reactions were a sign of jealousy or disappointment. The drama added another layer of awkwardness to an already intense night of competition.
Catch the 4 most cringe-worthy moments from the 2025 Grammy Awards – awkward, unexpected, and totally unforgettable!
Conclusion: The 2025 Grammys—A Night of Unforgettable Awkwardness
The 2025 Grammy Awards will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the most awkward ceremonies to date. From mispronunciations and fashion disasters to uncomfortable interview moments and controversial jokes, the evening was full of cringe-worthy moments that left fans buzzing long after the event ended. But, despite the awkwardness, it also gave us plenty to talk about, proving that the Grammys aren’t just about celebrating music—but also about the unforgettable, uncomfortable moments that come with it.
