Kanye West’s presence at the 2025 Grammys sparked curiosity among viewers, but contrary to some speculation, he was not removed from the event. However, he also did not have a seat inside the main show. This exclusive insight comes from Raj Kapoor, the executive producer of the Grammys, who spoke to PEOPLE about West’s unexpected appearance on the red carpet with his wife, Bianca Censori.
On February 2, 2025, Kanye West and Bianca Censori were spotted at the 67th Grammy Awards held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. Despite walking the red carpet, West did not stay for the main event. Kapoor clarified that West was not ejected from the ceremony. Instead, after attending the red carpet, West left the venue without entering the main show.
Kapoor explained that West, 47, was nominated for Best Rap Song for “Carnival” from his album Vultures 1. This nomination likely prompted his appearance on the red carpet. However, Kapoor was uncertain whether West attended the Pre-Telecast (Pre-Tel) event, a special presentation held at the Peacock Theater where most of the awards are distributed. “That award was definitely in Pre-Tel,” Kapoor noted.
Inside the Crypto.com Arena, seating arrangements are meticulously planned, especially for VIP tables near the front. Kapoor shared details about how the seating works during music’s biggest night. “If they were invited guests, we would know everyone seated at the VIP tables in front,” he said. “Every table is numbered, and our director needs to know where each artist is seated for award categories.” Kapoor confirmed that West did not have a reserved seat, as he was neither presenting nor performing during the main show. “Those seats are mostly for nominees, presenters, or performers,” he added.
The 2025 Grammy Awards took on a special significance this year, as the event was reimagined to honor those affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. In a statement released in January, the Recording Academy emphasized that the show would carry a renewed sense of purpose: raising funds for wildfire relief efforts and paying tribute to the bravery of first responders. Kapoor highlighted the efforts of the Recording Academy and MusiCares through their Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort, which aimed to support music professionals impacted by the fires.
“One of the highlights of the show was how we addressed the L.A. fires and the charitable aspect of our event,” Kapoor said. “We really shone a light on the city and the devastation that occurred.” The Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort raised an impressive $24 million for charitable activities, with nearly $9 million contributed on the day of the Grammys alone.
The ceremony began with a heartfelt performance of “I Love L.A.” by John Legend, Dawes, Brad Paisley, Brittany Howard, Sheryl Crow, and St. Vincent. Later in the show, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars delivered a moving rendition of “California Dreamin’.” These performances underscored the show’s theme of resilience and community support.
Kendrick Lamar also made headlines at the 2025 Grammys, winning Record of the Year for “Not Like Us.” During his acceptance speech, Lamar paid tribute to Los Angeles, declaring, “We gonna keep rocking.” His win and heartfelt message resonated deeply with the audience, further emphasizing the evening’s focus on unity and recovery.
Meanwhile, Bianca Censori, West’s wife, made waves with her bold fashion choices. After turning heads on the red carpet, Censori debuted another striking look at the Grammys afterparty, continuing to captivate attention.
In summary, Kanye West’s appearance at the 2025 Grammys was brief but notable. While he walked the red carpet and was nominated for an award, he did not have a seat inside the main show. The event itself was a celebration of music and a tribute to the resilience of Los Angeles in the face of adversity, with significant efforts directed toward wildfire relief and honoring first responders. The evening was marked by powerful performances, emotional tributes, and a strong sense of community, making it a memorable night for all involved.
