My First Grammy Awards Experience – LA 2025
Coffee cup from Focusrite stand NAMM 2025
As a full-time singer-songwriter, artist, and advocate for songwriters through my podcast Songwriter Trysts, 2024 was a milestone year for me. I became a voting member of the Recording Academy, which meant that in 2025, I had the incredible opportunity to attend my very first Grammy Awards gala in Los Angeles. And what an experience it was!
Becoming a Voting Member
For anyone wondering how one even gets into the Recording Academy, it’s not as simple as clicking ‘Sign Up’ online. First, you have to be working professionally in the music industry full-time. Then, you need two industry colleagues to recommend you. Once those recommendations are in, you apply by showcasing your portfolio, work, and skills. Your application is then reviewed by a board, and if they give you the nod, you can purchase your membership.
This only happens once a year, and every year, there’s a celebration for the newly accepted members. Being part of this community is an honour, and as a member, you’re entitled to two Grammy tickets—one for yourself and one transferable guest ticket. These range anywhere from $500 to $5,000 USD per person.
Booking My Trip to LA
Once I knew I had a shot at attending, I started looking at flights. Brisbane to LA isn’t a short hop, but when I found a $1,500 Qantas deal for a return flight, it felt like a sign. The real challenge, though, was snagging the Grammy tickets. They sell out within two minutes of going on sale, so I set my alarm for 4 a.m. to make sure I secured mine.
Even if I hadn’t managed to get tickets, I was told there were so many events, parties, and showcases happening throughout Grammy Week that it would still be worth the trip. And that was absolutely true!
The Magic of Grammy Week
Grammy Week in LA is a music lover’s dream. Artists from all over the world and across America flock to the city, and it’s one big celebration of music. There are breakfasts, luncheons, industry panels, live performances, networking events, and, of course, some pretty epic parties. It’s an incredible space to be surrounded by the world’s most talented and passionate music lovers, all coming together to celebrate what we do best.
In an industry that can sometimes feel cutthroat and isolating, Grammy Week reminded me why we do what we do. The camaraderie, the shared experiences, the laughter, and the endless conversations about music and creativity—it was electric.
The Grammy Awards Process
The Grammy Awards recognize excellence across over 90 categories, covering a diverse range of genres and music-related fields. The voting process is conducted by members of the Recording Academy, who submit ballots in their areas of expertise. The awards are presented in two main segments: the Premiere Ceremony, which starts at 11 a.m. and is live-streamed online, and the Primetime Televised Event in the evening. Many major label artists don’t attend the day-time awards, even if they win, as only a select few categories are highlighted in the night-time broadcast. Instead, winners in numerous categories accept their awards earlier in the day, often in a more intimate setting before the big, flashy event later that night.
The Grammy Awards Night
The actual Grammy Awards event was a surreal experience. From the moment I stepped onto the red carpet, I felt like I had entered another world. Seeing my peers receive recognition for their hard work was emotional and inspiring. We all know how much blood, sweat, and tears go into making music, so witnessing artists being honoured at the highest level made me feel both proud and motivated to keep pushing forward in my own career.
I had a few ‘pinch me’ moments throughout the night, from seeing some of my musical heroes up close to just soaking in the energy of the entire event. The performances were next-level, the speeches were heartfelt, and the whole experience was something I’ll never forget.
The After-Parties & A Special Shout-Out
The celebrations didn’t end with the awards show. Post-Grammys, there were some legendary after-parties, but one event that really stood out was Kitt Wakeley’s fundraiser for the LA fires. It was an incredible night of generosity, music, and community coming together for a great cause. Massive kudos to Kitt and everyone involved for using their platform to make a real difference.
Final Thoughts
My different fashion looks for the Grammy Week 2025
Attending the Grammy Awards for the first time was everything I imagined and more. It reinforced my passion for music, introduced me to some amazing people, and gave me a glimpse into the future I’m building for myself. If there’s one thing I took away from the experience, it’s this: keep creating, keep pushing, and surround yourself with people who inspire you. You never know where this crazy journey in music might take you!
Until next year, LA!
Rae Leigh
