2025 Grammys: First Slate of Performers Announced, Featuring a Diverse Lineup of Queer Artists

With the 2025 Grammy Awards just around the corner, excitement is building as the Recording Academy has announced the first wave of performers set to take the stage. The annual ceremony, which will take place on Sunday, February 2, will shine a spotlight on some of the biggest names in music, with a particular focus on the growing influence of queer artists across genres.

Leading the nominations this year is Beyoncé, who has earned an impressive 11 nods, making her the most-nominated artist of the year. However, it’s not just Beyoncé making waves; the 2025 Grammys are shaping up to be a landmark year for queer representation, with artists such as Chappell Roan, Doechii, Troye Sivan, Billie Eilish, Willow, Clairo, Kaytranada, Kehlani, and Anitta all receiving nominations. Notably, Chappell Roan and Billie Eilish are both up for the prestigious categories of Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Album of the Year.

In addition to the nominations, several of these queer artists will take center stage during the ceremony, performing their nominated tracks and celebrating the diverse range of voices in today’s music industry. The Grammys will also include a special segment dedicated to raising funds for Los Angeles wildfire relief, adding a philanthropic element to the star-studded event.

Here’s a closer look at some of the performers already announced for the 2025 Grammys:

Chappell Roan
Chappell Roan, the Oklahoma-born pop singer-songwriter, is having a breakout year. The artist, who has received six nominations, is up for Best New Artist, as well as Album, Record, and Song of the Year. Her single “Good Luck, Babe!” is in the running for three awards, and Roan is widely anticipated to perform the track during the ceremony. With her unique blend of pop, country, and indie influences, Roan is poised to make a major statement on the Grammy stage.

Doechii
Rising star Doechii is a first-time nominee at the 2025 Grammys. With four nominations under her belt, including Best New Artist, Doechii has quickly become a name to watch. The Florida-born rapper and singer is known for her dynamic sound and bold visuals, and her recent single “Denial Is a River” has earned significant attention. Fans are hoping to see a live performance of the track during the ceremony, which would mark a major moment in her rapidly growing career.

Doechii at the 2023 BET Awards Arrivals at the Microsoft Theater on June 25, 2023 in Los Angeles, CA

Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish continues her Grammy dominance, having earned seven nominations this year, bringing her career total to an impressive 32 nods, with nine wins to her name. Among her nominations are Record and Song of the Year for “Birds of a Feather,” one of the standout tracks from her latest album. Eilish has been known to surprise audiences with unexpected collaborations, and it’s possible that she could join forces with Charli XCX for a performance of their nominated song “Guess,” which has also earned recognition in several categories.

Charli XCX
Charli XCX is another major contender at the 2025 Grammys, with eight nominations for her album Brat. The British pop icon has been a force in experimental pop for years, and this year’s nominations highlight her versatility. Her tracks “360,” “Von Dutch,” “Guess,” and “Apple” are all up for awards, and it’s expected that Charli XCX will bring her signature avant-garde style to the Grammy stage during a highly anticipated performance.

Charli XCX attends The Fashion Awards 2023 at The Royal Albert Hall in London, England.

Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter, a first-time nominee at this year’s Grammys, has earned six nominations for her songs “Espresso” and “Please Please Please” from her album Short n’ Sweet. Known for her versatile vocal ability and her transition from Disney star to mainstream pop artist, Carpenter is a rising star in the industry. Fans are eager to see what she’ll bring to the Grammy stage, especially with such a strong showing in this year’s nominations.

Raye
British singer-songwriter Raye has earned her spot among the six nominees for Best New Artist. The artist, who has worked with global superstars like Beyoncé and David Guetta, is gaining recognition for her unique sound that blends pop, R&B, and electronic influences. Raye’s performance at the 2025 Grammys is expected to showcase her talent and further solidify her place in the music industry.

Shakira
Latin music icon Shakira is back at the Grammys with seven nominations, including Best Latin Pop Album for her album Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran. Known for her global appeal and infectious rhythms, Shakira has long been a fixture at the Grammys, having won three times in the past. This year’s nominations highlight her continued relevance in the industry, and her performance is sure to be a highlight of the evening.

Benson Boone
Rising pop artist Benson Boone is up for Best New Artist at the 2025 Grammys. The acrobatic singer, known for his Freddie Mercury-inspired performances, has gained a dedicated following with his powerful vocals and engaging stage presence. Boone’s Grammy performance could be his big moment to capture the attention of a global audience.

Teddy Swims
Another artist vying for Best New Artist is Teddy Swims, a soulful singer-songwriter known for his smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics. Swims has gained recognition for his unique blend of soul, R&B, and pop influences, and his Grammy performance will likely showcase his ability to move audiences with his emotional delivery.

Looking Ahead
The 2025 Grammys promise to be a historic night, with a diverse range of queer artists leading the charge in categories like Best New Artist, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year. These performers not only represent a new era in the music industry but also demonstrate the growing visibility of LGBTQ+ voices in mainstream entertainment.

As the Grammys approach, fans are eagerly awaiting more performer announcements, and with so many queer artists nominated, the 2025 ceremony is poised to be a night of celebration and empowerment for the LGBTQ+ community.