Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) proved the biggest winner throughout the 67th annual Grammy Awards salute to music in Los Angeles, California.
In addition to celebrating excellence in the industry, on the second day, of the second month of 2025, an eclectic assembly of talented personalities expressed validity for a policy the 47th president of the United States decries for being a contributor to inferiority and mediocrity.
Immigrants, women, Black and brown achievers, members of the LGBTQ community, and a slew of superstars displayed excellence contrary to the negative DEI perspective touted by President Donald Trump.
In all categories of production to execution, contenders for a miniature, grammophone exemplified hard-fought artistry which might have been denied had it not been for insistence on implementing the controversial policy.
“DEI is not a threat,” singer, composer, and musician Alicia Keys said, “It is a gift.”
In an acceptance speech for winning the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award winner, the 17-time Grammy winner described her success for being enabled by “diversity of voices” that acknowledged her talent before she did. Colombian talent Shakira dedicated her Best Latin Pop win to “my immigrant brothers and sisters.”
And South Africa-born host Trevor Noah referenced political idiocy stating that Beyonce’s upcoming tour might have to bypass Canada due to tariffs announced there since the president took office.
The five-time Grammy emcee seemed to avoid poking fun at the flurry of executive orders proposed by the American leader who was inaugurated two weeks ago.
Instead, the comedian focused on raising awareness and funds for victims of the devastating wildfires, which leveled Altadena and Pasadena counties in Los Angeles, California.
Throughout the broadcast from the Crypto.com Arena, Noah consistently urged donations from viewers as well as patrons to the gala. By the end of the global event, Noah’s pleas garnered $7 million from guests.
But inclusion seemed an intentional priority for winners and presenters.
Kendrick Lamar described rap music, saying, “We are the culture.”
“We must celebrate each other’s cultures,” Stevie Wonder said before launching into a verse of Quincy Jones’ historic fundraising benefit melody for Ethiopia.
The superstar bolstered his words with a harmonica salute to the producer who died last December at age 91. In addition, Wonder punctuated his message by joining jazz pianist Herbie Hancock in a performance of the anthemic recording of “We are the world.”
Together, the musicians seemed to deliver a tuneful nod that resonated as an endorsement of the affirmative action, which was signed by President Lyndon Johnson.
DEI was instituted within the Civil Rights Act to ban discrimination.
It has been a sore initiative for conservatives and now seemingly a resurrected target by Republicans favoring a 2025 presidential transition project. At the awards, five major LGBTQ+ winners included rapper Doechi, Best New Artist Chappell Roan, St. Vincent, Miley Cyrus and Lady Gaga. In an acceptance message, Lady Gaga echoed pro-DEI messages saying, “Trans people are not invisible.”
Following a tragic plane collision with a helicopter, the president blamed DEI as the cause.
An obsession by Republican politicians claim the policy gives preference to minority factions who are given preference because of alloted quotas.
Other hints at DEI endorsements included actions by the National Academy of Recording Sciences’ fundraising Musicares Foundation which has adapted modifications to previous policies of exclusion. According to a proud spokesperson, the organization has implemented a Black Music Initiative, Women in the Mix and a number of reforms.
Grammy 2025 Excelled
Highlights of this year’s Awards included performances/tributes to Quincy Jones by Cynthia Errivo and Janelle Monae.
And the fact President Jimmy Carter won another prize for his Spoken Word submission of his Sunday School teachings seemed a fair choice considering the contribution the former leader made to the country. For sure, the win came as no surprise to contenders who probably conceded a loss when President Carter died at age 100 at the end of the year.
Bob Marley’s “One Love” submission took the Reggae Album category.
Beyonce Makes History
Nominated for 11 Grammy Awards, Beyonce took home three new grammophones. She also made history as the most nominated artist in recording history. The pop singer also scored her first win in the top Album of the Year category for the country titled “Cowboy Carter.”
Nominated four times in the category, victory previously eluded the Texas native.
Rival Taylor Swift was named for six honors however, she went home empty-handed.
Catch You On The Inside!
