The Grammys red carpet has officially opened, setting the stage for a night where music stars consistently embrace bold and unconventional fashion choices. This prestigious event is renowned for its rule-breaking looks and memorable style statements, as artists discard the traditional playbook of red carpet dressing in favour of taking significant style risks. For music's biggest night on Sunday, celebrities are expected to playfully blur the lines between costume and contemporary fashion, whether through sexy, dramatic, or eccentric ensembles.
Historical Context and Recent Trends
In recent years, the Grammys red carpet has seen a mix of subdued and daring fashion. Last year, stars respectfully toned down their attire, opting for more subdued or all-black looks in response to the destruction caused by the Los Angeles wildfires. However, this year, artists are anticipated to push the envelope once again, returning to the event's roots of audacious style.
Early Arrivals and Iconic Ensembles
Singer-songwriter Darren Criss was among the first to arrive shortly after the carpet opened. Hosting the Grammys premiere ceremony, Criss donned a shimmering lace suit paired with an off-white silk cravat shaped into a bow, complemented by his signature painted nails. This look exemplifies the creative flair that defines Grammy fashion.
The Grammy Awards, which began in 1959 by honouring legends like Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Dean Martin, have since evolved into a platform for increasingly daring and over-the-top red carpet dressing. A standout moment in Grammy history is Jennifer Lopez's legendary Versace green dress from the 2000 awards. This jungle-print dress with its striking décolletage is famously credited as the inspiration behind Google Images, due to the high volume of online search queries it generated at the time.
Pushing Boundaries with Fashion
Artists often use the red carpet as an opportunity to bring their music personas to life. Lady Gaga, for instance, is known for her dramatic entrances, such as being carried onto the carpet inside an egg in 2011. Similarly, rapper Nicki Minaj made a memorable appearance in a red-hooded Versace ensemble with a date dressed like the Pope in 2012.
In more recent years, stars have continued to challenge norms. Last year, model Bianca Censori took the concept of barely-there fashion to new heights by posing with rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, in a transparent dress with nothing underneath. This trend of risk-taking extends to accessories and headpieces, as seen with Taylor Swift's 2025 Vivienne Westwood red sparkling mini dress paired with a necklace featuring the letter "T" dangling on her thigh, which sparked fan speculation online.
Diverse Styles and Gender Norms
Male nominees at the Grammys also shake up traditional fashion, unlike the tuxedos common at other award shows. Examples include Harry Styles wearing a colourful checkered jumpsuit and singer Troye Sivan dressed in sheer lilac. Additionally, artists like Jaden Smith paired a Louis Vuitton suit with a castle headpiece for the 2025 Grammys, while Slipknot band member Sid Wilson rocked a gas mask on the carpet in 2024.
Spotlight on Newcomers
The Grammys red carpet offers a chance for up-and-coming artists to shine alongside industry legends. This year, a fashionable group of artists in the hotly contested best new artist category includes rising star Addison Rae, who aptly has a song titled "High Fashion." Fans are curious whether she will wear an archival fashion look, following in the footsteps of last year's winner, Chappell Roan, who donned a yellow tulle archival Jean Paul Gaultier couture gown printed with Degas' famous ballerinas.
Beyond the Red Carpet
The showstopping outfits do not end once the carpet closes for the night. Some celebrities debut new looks inside the venue, such as Miley Cyrus stunning in a shimmery silver Bob Mackie number while performing her hit song "Flowers" onstage in 2024. This year's stylish list of performers includes Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Pharrell Williams, promising more fashion highlights.
First-time nominee PinkPantheress, embraced by Gen Z for her U.K. garage hits and nominated for two awards, posed on the carpet in a Vivienne Westwood Union Jack gown. She previously told The Associated Press that when she started, she did not want to show her face or be perceived, highlighting how the red carpet can be a platform for personal expression and growth.
How to Watch the Grammys
For those eager to catch all the action, The Associated Press will stream a four-hour red carpet show featuring interviews and fashion footage on YouTube and APNews.com. The main show will air live from LA's Crypto.com Arena on CBS beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern on Sunday. Paramount+ premium plan subscribers can stream the telecast live, while essential subscribers will have on-demand access the next day. Additionally, the Grammys can be watched through live TV streaming services that include CBS in their lineup, such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and FuboTV.
