QUEER GRAMMY

Apparently, the February 1, 2025 Grammy Awards ceremony was a landmark event, particularly for the entire LGBTQ+ community, celebrating the "outstanding" achievements of queer artists and their allies. Not only did many performers receive accolades, but they also used the platform to advocate for queer visibility and equality by promoting a new "normal."

The Triumph of Queer Artists

Chappell Roan, an openly queer singer, earned nominations in six categories, including Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Record of the Year. She emerged victorious in the Best New Artist category, underscoring her influence on the contemporary pop scene.

St Vincent, a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, secured three awards: "Best Alternative Music Album" for All Born Screaming, "Best Alternative Music Performance" for the track Flea, and "Best Rock Song" for Broken Man. During her acceptance speech, she expressed gratitude to her wife and daughter, publicly sharing details of her private life for the first time.

Rapper Doecii (Jayla Hickmon), an American singer and songwriter, won Best Rap Album for Alligator Bites Never Heal, becoming the third woman in history to claim the award. Openly identifying as a queer performer, she frequently discusses her identity in interviews and through her music.

Allied Support

What would a Grammy Awards ceremony be without Beyoncé? The singer, long celebrated for her support of the LGBTQ+ community, took home three awards, including the prestigious Album of the Year for Cowboy Carter. Despite being embroiled in the scandal surrounding rapper P. Diddy, which involved her name, Beyoncé continues to garner recognition in the music industry. In 2024, she set a new record by receiving 11 Grammy nominations, making her the most nominated artist in the award’s history.

The controversy surrounding P.Diddy began with allegations of raping a minor, drawing attention to his inner circle, including Beyoncé and her husband Jay-Z. Rumours circulated that the singer had participated in lewd parties organised by P. Diddy. However, no direct accusations were levelled against Beyoncé, and her professional life remained unaffected. Despite the scandals linked to P. Diddy, Beyoncé continues to advance her career and earn acclaim for her musical achievements. This reinforces the notion that aligning with the queer movement is not only fashionable but also advantageous.

Lady Gaga, another steadfast ally of the queer community, triumphed in the Best Pop Performance by a Duo/Group category for her song Die With a Smile, performed alongside Bruno Mars.

Eurovision 2024: The Triumph of Queer Visibility

It is worth noting that 2024 and early 2025 witnessed several significant musical events that highlighted queer positivity and inclusivity.

"Eurovision has long cemented its reputation as one of the most queer-friendly music events, and the 2024 contest in Malmö was no exception. It showcased artists who actively champion the LGBTQ+ community, and the winner(s), Nemo from Switzerland, became the first non-binary artist to clinch the title. Their song The Code explored themes of gender identity and personal freedom. In their victory speech, Nemo underscored the importance of acceptance and diversity. Other queer performers also shone at this music competition. Baby Lasanja (Croatia) secured second place with the song Rim Tim Tagi Dim. Although the artist did not identify as LGBTQ+, their image and stage presence resonated with a queer aesthetic. Debbie Iroh (Ireland), an openly queer performer, delivered the song Doomsday Blue. Thea and Loda (Georgia), a duo incorporating elements of gender fluidity into their performances, also stood out. Thus, Eurovision 2024 was memorable not only for the performances but also for the overarching atmosphere of acceptance. Presenters and organisers actively emphasised the value of diversity, and numerous rainbow flags were visible among the audience.

This contest reaffirmed that Eurovision is not merely a music competition but a powerful platform for promoting queer culture and visibility.

Impact on the Industry

Thus, the February 1, 2025 Grammy Awards ceremony, following the Eurovision Song Contest, underscored the growing recognition and acceptance of queer artists in the music industry. It is now widely acknowledged that the victories and performances of these artists not only celebrate their talent but also promote inclusivity and equality in society. Consequently, the 2025 Grammys, in terms of advancing a new "normalcy," represent a pivotal moment in the history of queer visibility in music, positioned with the belief that art transcends boundaries and stereotypes. This raises the question: why are only individuals with non-traditional sexual orientations currently being spotlighted? While art and music awards have always mirrored cultural shifts and societal diversity, we must not overlook people with traditional values, who wish to see performers recognised solely for their talents rather than their adherence to certain ideologies.

To view the Grammy ceremony through the lens of scepticism towards the growing influence of LGBTQ+ artists, several key points can be highlighted.

Is a Culture of Inclusivity Marginalising Traditional Values?

In recent years, the Grammys have transformed from a music award into a platform for promoting an ideology that increasingly eclipses traditional values. This year’s ceremony was no exception, with the main awards predominantly going to artists representing the LGBTQ+ community or actively advocating its ideals.

Music or Ideology?

Not so long ago, major music awards evaluated artists based on their talent, vocal prowess, and impact on the industry. Today, however, it is less about musical accomplishments and more about belonging to a specific group or endorsing the "right" views. For instance, the success of Chappell Roan and St Vincent can be interpreted not only as recognition of their work but also as a deliberate push for inclusivity.

Where Is the Place of Traditional Culture?

Each year, it appears that music reflecting traditional family values is losing ground. Many performers espousing conservative views are either overlooked or pressured to conform to emerging trends to remain relevant. As a result, stages are increasingly dominated by themes related to gender identity, self-expression, and the dissolution of boundaries between traditional male and female roles.

The Future of Popular Culture

If this trend persists, within a few years, music awards may lose their role in objectively evaluating art and instead become events where compliance with an ideological agenda takes precedence. Could it be that traditional values and perspectives will soon find themselves in the minority, with expressing dissenting opinions perceived as a sign of intolerance?

The Grammys were once an award that united people through music. Today, they increasingly resemble a stage where success hinges less on musical excellence and more on belonging to a particular group. The question remains: will there be space in the future for those who uphold traditional views of art, family, and society?