Kendrick Lamar displays his multiple Grammy Awards. (Recording Academy)

The 67th Grammy Awards celebrated a night of historic wins, bold statements, and philanthropy as the Recording Academy dedicated this year’s ceremony to Los Angeles wildfire relief efforts. Black artists took center stage, with Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé, and Doechii earning top honors while performers and presenters addressed the struggles facing the city and its music professionals. Hosted by Trevor Noah, the event balanced celebration with a strong sense of purpose.

Will Smith introduced the Quincy Jones tribute, with Herbie Hancock laying a music bed of “Killer Joe” on the piano. Smith reminded audiences that “Q,” as he affectionately called him, influenced and contributed to legendary acts such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Aretha Franklin.

In the 1960s, Jones worked as an arranger for Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan, and Dinah Washington. The tribute culminated with a powerful performance of “We Are the World”, featuring Stevie Wonder and a student choir from Pasadena Waldorf School and Palisades High School — both severely damaged by the wildfires. Additional performers included Cynthia Erivo, Herbie Hancock, Jacob Collier, Janelle Monáe, and Lainey Wilson.

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Kendrick Lamar took home “Record of the Year” for “Not Like Us,” becoming only the second rap artist to win the category after Childish Gambino. In his acceptance speech, Lamar stated: “We’re gonna dedicate this one to the city — Compton, Watts, Long Beach, Inglewood, Hollywood, out to the Valley, Pacoima, The I.E., San Bernardino—all that.

“You know, this is my neck of the woods. It’s held me down since I was a young pup, since I was in the studio scrapping to write the best raps. So, I can’t give enough thanks to these places that I rolled around since high school. And most importantly, the people and families out in the Palisades and Altadena. This is a true testament that we can continue to restore this city.”

Diana Ross presented another award to Lamar for “Song of the Year” marking a significant moment for hip-hop at the Grammys.

His producer, Sean Momberger, hinted at what’s next for Lamar’s team, sharing that they plan to promote up-and-coming LA artists featured on his sixth studio album, “GNX.”

Beyonce won “Album of the Year” at the 67th Grammy Awards. (Recording Academy)

The Los Angeles County Fire Department received a standing ovation before presenting “Album of the Year” to Beyoncé for “Cowboy Carter.”  With 99 nominations throughout her career, Beyoncé finally secured one of the Grammys’ most prestigious and coveted honors.

In her emotional acceptance speech, she said: “I’d like to praise all of the firefighters keeping us safe. I just feel very full and very honored. This has been many, many years in the making. Every songwriter, every collaborator, every producer—this is for all of the hard work. I want to dedicate this to [Linda] Martell, and I hope we just keep pushing forward, opening doors.”

Doechii became the third woman to win “Best Rap Album,” following Lauryn Hill and Cardi B, who presented the award. This win cements her place as a rising force in hip-hop.

SZA took home Best R&B Performance for “Saturn,” a song inspired by Stevie Wonder, who was also part of the night’s powerful tributes.

Queen Latifah presented the “Dr. Dre Global Impact Award” to Alicia Keys, honoring her contributions to the industry and influence on generations of musicians.

Throughout the ceremony, host Trevor Noah and presenters urged audiences to support MusiCares Fire Relief, a collaborative fundraiser by the Recording Academy, MusiCares, Direct Relief, the California Community Foundation, and the Pasadena Community Foundation. The initiative has already raised over $4 million to aid wildfire-affected music professionals and communities.

To contribute to the MusiCares Fire Relief, visit grammy.com/firerelief. If you or someone you know needs help, visit musicares.org/get-help.