Olivia Rodrigo made a defining appearance at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards on February 2, 2025, held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Marking a shift toward a more sophisticated, "bombshell" aesthetic, the 21-year-old singer participated in the ceremony as both a nominee and a high-profile presenter. While she did not take home a trophy this year, her presence resonated through a masterful archival fashion choice and a series of emotional moments involving her boyfriend, Louis Partridge, and her longtime collaborator, Chappell Roan.

The night was not about a new album cycle—as GUTS had been the focus of the 2024 ceremony—but rather a celebration of her continued influence in the intersection of music, film, and fashion. Rodrigo was nominated in the category of Best Song Written for Visual Media for her haunting folk-pop ballad "Can't Catch Me Now," written for The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Despite the loss in this category to Jon Batiste, Rodrigo’s involvement in the 2025 Grammys cemented her status as a pillar of modern pop culture.

The Red Carpet Statement: Stepping Into a New Fashion Era

The 2025 Grammys red carpet was dominated by discussions of Olivia Rodrigo's departure from the "soft glam" and punk-rock aesthetics of her previous years. For this event, she and her stylists, Chloe and Chenelle Delgadillo, dug deep into the fashion archives, selecting a vintage Versace gown from the Spring-Summer 2001 collection.

Archival Versace and the Power of Vintage

The dress itself was a masterclass in turn-of-the-millennium glamour. It featured a daring black halter-neck silhouette characterized by intricate cutouts. A central keyhole at the chest was flanked by geometric openings at the waist, which transitioned into a bold, almost entirely open back. This specific piece, designed by Donatella Versace over two decades ago, brought a sense of historical weight to the carpet, contrasting sharply with the more experimental, "campy" looks seen on other attendees.

Donatella Versace herself took to social media to celebrate the moment, noting that Rodrigo brought "power and confidence" to the piece. The choice of a black, floor-length gown with subtle ruching and a delicate train indicated a more mature chapter for Rodrigo—one that leans into the "femme fatale" archetypes while maintaining the youthful vibrancy that made her a star.

Beauty and Jewelry Details

To complement the dark glamour of the Versace piece, Rodrigo’s beauty team focused on "lethal" precision. As a global ambassador for Lancôme, her makeup featured the brand’s signature winged eyeliner, paired with voluminous mascara and a peachy-nude lip that kept the focus on her features rather than the color palette. Her hair, styled by Clayton Hawkins, was kept in long, soft waves with a classic middle part, offering a relaxed contrast to the sharp lines of the dress.

The accessorizing was equally intentional. Rodrigo wore high-end pieces from Tiffany & Co., including a radiant bracelet and drop earrings that caught the flashbulbs of the paparazzi. To complete the monochromatic look, she opted for black strapped heels by Stuart Weitzman, a choice that emphasized the gown’s elegant silhouette during her walk through the Crypto.com Arena.

A Role Beyond Performance: Olivia Rodrigo as a 2025 Grammy Presenter

Unlike the 2024 Grammys, where Rodrigo delivered a blood-soaked, cinematic performance of "vampire," the 2025 ceremony saw her taking on the role of an industry elder and supporter. Her primary responsibility was introducing one of the night’s most anticipated performances: that of her close friend and former tour opener, Chappell Roan.

Supporting Chappell Roan

The relationship between Rodrigo and Roan is one of the most celebrated friendships in contemporary pop. During her introduction, Rodrigo spoke with genuine emotion about their shared history. She reminded the audience that while Roan is now a global sensation, Rodrigo was a fan back when Roan was working at a donut shop in Highland Park.

"What an honor it is to watch the world embrace the talent and vision of my extraordinary friend," Rodrigo told the star-studded crowd. This moment was significant not just for the fans, but for the industry narrative. It highlighted Rodrigo’s lack of professional ego, showing her willingness to use her platform to elevate other female artists who contributed to her own success (Roan notably provided background vocals on several tracks from the GUTS album and "Can't Catch Me Now").

The Presence of a Presenter

Beyond the introduction of Roan, Rodrigo’s role as a presenter placed her among legends. Other presenters during the 67th ceremony included Taylor Swift, SZA, and Victoria Monét, putting Rodrigo in the elite tier of artists who are viewed as the face of the Recording Academy. Her stage presence was noted for being poised and professional, a far cry from the nervous teenager who swept the awards only a few years prior.

The Romance in the Spotlight: Olivia Rodrigo and Louis Partridge

While Rodrigo often keeps her private life guarded, the 2025 Grammys served as a rare public milestone for her relationship with British actor Louis Partridge. The pair, who have been linked since late 2023, arrived at the venue together, though they navigated the media gauntlet with strategic privacy.

A Rare Joint Appearance

Rodrigo walked the red carpet solo, allowing the focus to remain on her fashion and professional achievements. However, once inside the Crypto.com Arena, she was joined by Partridge at her table. Throughout the night, cameras captured the couple "just vibing," sharing quiet whispers and supportive glances during the various award presentations.

This appearance marked one of their most significant public outings since their red carpet debut at the Venice Film Festival in August 2024. For fans, seeing the "get him back!" singer in a seemingly stable and happy relationship provided a heartwarming counter-narrative to the heartbreak themes of her first two albums. Partridge, known for his role in Enola Holmes, looked sharp in a classic tuxedo, playing the role of the supportive partner as Rodrigo navigated her duties as a nominee and presenter.

Analyzing the Nominations: The Impact of "Can't Catch Me Now"

The 2025 Grammys saw Rodrigo nominated for Best Song Written for Visual Media. This category is unique as it bridges the gap between the music industry and the cinematic world.

The Craft of "Can't Catch Me Now"

"Can't Catch Me Now" was a departure from Rodrigo’s usual high-energy pop-rock or piano ballads. Collaborating again with producer Dan Nigro, she crafted a song that captured the atmospheric tension of the Hunger Games prequel. In interviews leading up to the event, Rodrigo expressed how inspiring it was to write for the character of Lucy Gray Baird, stating that she watched a specific loop of the film’s final scenes to capture the feeling of "birds in the trees."

The song’s nomination was a testament to Rodrigo’s versatility. It proved she could write within a specific narrative framework and still maintain her lyrical identity. Although the award went to Jon Batiste for "It Never Went Away," the nomination alone solidified Rodrigo as a songwriter with longevity, capable of competing in specialized categories outside of the general "Big Four."

The 2025 Competition

The category was particularly competitive this year. Facing off against established names and cinematic powerhouses, Rodrigo’s presence in the list indicated that the Recording Academy views her as a serious composer for film. While some fans were disappointed by the loss, the critical consensus remained that "Can't Catch Me Now" is one of the strongest contributions to a film soundtrack in recent years.

How the 2025 Grammys Reflect Olivia Rodrigo’s Career Evolution

Looking at the trajectory from her 2022 Grammy sweep to the 2025 ceremony, it is clear that Olivia Rodrigo is no longer just a "breakout star." She has entered a phase of career stability where her presence at major awards shows is a given, regardless of whether she has a new album at the top of the charts.

From "Sour" to "Guts" and Beyond

In 2022, Rodrigo was the "New Artist" everyone was watching. By 2024, she was the "Artist of the Year" contender with GUTS. In 2025, she has become a cultural icon who influences fashion trends and industry standards. The shift to archival Versace suggests she is looking at the long game, aligning herself with the timeless glamour of past decades rather than chasing fleeting TikTok trends.

The Road Ahead: 2025 and 2026

While the Grammys were a highlight of early 2025, Rodrigo’s year remains packed. Following the ceremony, she is scheduled to continue her international presence with festival slots at Lollapalooza in Chile, Argentina, and Brazil. There are also persistent rumors and teasers from her interviews with Vogue suggesting that she is constantly journaling and writing for her third studio album.

The 2025 Grammys functioned as a "victory lap" for her GUTS era and its associated projects, while simultaneously setting the stage for her next musical evolution. By focusing on her friendships, her relationship, and her growth as a songwriter, Rodrigo showed a side of herself that is more grounded and balanced than ever before.

Conclusion

Olivia Rodrigo’s 2025 Grammy experience was defined by maturity and grace. From her striking archival Versace gown to her heartfelt support of Chappell Roan, she proved that an artist's impact isn't solely measured by the number of trophies they take home on a single night. Instead, it is measured by their ability to influence the cultural conversation, support their peers, and evolve their personal brand with intentionality. As she moves forward into the rest of 2025, the music world remains eagerly expectant of what the "drivers license" star will do next.

FAQ

What did Olivia Rodrigo wear to the 2025 Grammys?

Olivia Rodrigo wore a vintage black Versace gown from the Spring-Summer 2001 collection. The dress featured a halter neck, a large keyhole cutout at the chest, side cutouts at the waist, and a daring backless design. She accessorized with Tiffany & Co. jewelry and Stuart Weitzman heels.

Did Olivia Rodrigo win any Grammys in 2025?

No, Olivia Rodrigo did not win a Grammy in 2025. She was nominated for Best Song Written for Visual Media for "Can't Catch Me Now," but the award went to Jon Batiste for "It Never Went Away."

Who did Olivia Rodrigo present at the 2025 Grammys?

Olivia Rodrigo introduced the performance of her close friend and former tour opener, Chappell Roan. During her speech, she praised Roan's talent and shared memories of their friendship before Roan became a global star.

Was Louis Partridge at the 2025 Grammys with Olivia Rodrigo?

Yes, Louis Partridge attended the 2025 Grammys with Olivia Rodrigo. While they did not walk the red carpet together, they were seen sitting together inside the Crypto.com Arena throughout the ceremony.

Why didn't Olivia Rodrigo perform at the 2025 Grammys?

Olivia Rodrigo was not a musical guest at the 2025 Grammys because she did not have a new album or lead single to promote within the primary eligibility window for performances. She instead focused on her roles as a nominee and a presenter.