By Stig Editor Rob Halford and Judas Priest Triumph with Grammy Win for Best Metal Performance
In a triumphant moment for heavy metal, Rob Halford and Judas Priest have clinched the Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance, marking a significant milestone in the band’s illustrious career. The win, announced during the 67th Annual Grammy Awards held on February 2, 2025, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, celebrates their latest track “Crown of Horns” from the 2024 album Invincible Shield. This victory marks their second Grammy, following their first win in 2010 for “Dissident Aggressor” from the live album A Touch of Evil: Live, and underscores Halford’s enduring legacy as the “Metal God.”
The ceremony, held amidst a backdrop of recent L.A. wildfires, incorporated a fundraising component to honor first responders, adding a layer of poignancy to the night. Halford, beaming with pride, accepted the award alongside drummer Scott Travis, reflecting on the band’s journey. “This is for every metal fan out there who’s kept us alive for over 50 years,” Halford declared, his voice resonating with the same power that has defined his career. The win comes after a 15-year gap since their last nomination, highlighting the band’s resilience and relevance in an evolving musical landscape.
“Crown of Horns” stood out among a competitive field that included Metallica, Gojira, Spiritbox, and Knocked Loose featuring Poppy. The track’s nomination and subsequent victory reflect its raw energy and Halford’s unmistakable vocal prowess, blending his signature operatic screams with the band’s signature twin-guitar attack. The 73-year-old frontman, speaking to Stage Right Secrets post-ceremony, expressed “absolute shock and excitement,” noting the diverse generational representation among nominees. “It’s a testament to metal’s enduring spirit,” he added.
Halford’s journey to this moment is one of perseverance. From his early days joining Judas Priest in 1973 to pioneering the leather-and-studs image that became metal’s visual hallmark, he has shaped the genre alongside legends like Ronnie James Dio and Bruce Dickinson. His openness about his sexuality since 1998 and his sobriety since 1986 further cement his status as an inspirational figure. The Invincible Shield album, released in 2024, has been praised for capturing the band’s evolution while staying true to their roots, a factor likely influencing the Grammy voters.
The win also reignites discussions about the Grammy’s relationship with rock and metal, a genre often overshadowed by mainstream categories. Halford himself has acknowledged the Academy’s occasional disconnect, yet this award signals a growing recognition of metal’s artistic depth. Fans and critics alike celebrated the decision, with social media buzzing about Judas Priest’s triumph over heavyweights like Metallica, who hold a record seven wins in the category.
As Halford prepares to add this Grammy to his mantel, the victory serves as both a personal milestone and a collective nod to the global metal community. With Judas Priest continuing to tour and create, this award may only be a prelude to further accolades. For now, the “Metal God” stands tall, his trophy gleaming under the stage lights, a symbol of a career that has defied odds and redefined a genre.
Stay tuned for more updates on Judas Priest’s upcoming projects and the evolving world of heavy metal.