Netizens are divided after seeing Taylor Swift dancing with Alicia Keys’ son at the Grammys, where Keys won a prestigious award.
Pop sensation Taylor Swift had all eyes on her at the 67th Grammy Awards on February 2, 2025, as she danced the night away with music icon Alicia Keys’ 7-year-old son, Genesis Dean. While some online viewers swooned over the adorable moment, others felt Swift was vying too hard to be the center of attention.
![Netizen comment about Taylor Swift dancing with Alicia Key's son, posted on February 3, 2025. | Source: Instagram/pagesix](https://cdn.amomama.com/c0e22a2ea4a77ae681f013ab5fe25ea9ca7cf02e1305f47de6b43049cbebf3fd.jpg)
Netizen comment about Taylor Swift dancing with Alicia Key’s son, posted on February 3, 2025. | Source: Instagram/pagesix
The heartwarming interaction unfolded as an upbeat song from talented artist Shakira’s performance pulsed through the ceremony venue.
Swift, dressed in a dazzling red sequined ensemble paired with a tailored black suit jacket, enthusiastically jumped from side to side, matching the energy of the little boy, who looked dapper in a black suit and bowtie.
![Taylor Swift dancing with Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz's son Genesis Dean at the Grammy Awards, posted on February 3, 2025. | Source: Instagram/entertainmenttonight](https://cdn.amomama.com/0caeeb0456edf51e8ec3f7573bb436920f4ad15f16b2c556b09a67785622a6db.png)
Taylor Swift dancing with Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz’s son Genesis Dean at the Grammy Awards, posted on February 3, 2025. | Source: Instagram/entertainmenttonight
Holding hands, the duo swayed in rhythm before Swift playfully used the 7-year-old’s arm to twirl herself around. She flashed a beaming smile as onlookers—including Dean’s older brother—watched the wholesome moment unfold.
![Genesis Dean dancing with Taylor Swift as his older brother Egypt Dean looks on, posted on February 3, 2025. | Source: Instagram/therealswizzz](https://cdn.amomama.com/1d2e73f60af7c953a679d053c9e066cd3f855bf873697458feb0e520e9e51560.png)
Genesis Dean dancing with Taylor Swift as his older brother Egypt Dean looks on, posted on February 3, 2025. | Source: Instagram/therealswizzz
The viral footage was originally filmed and shared on Instagram Stories by Dean’s father, legendary music producer Swizz Beatz.
His post, overlaid with the text “Gen & @taylorswift jamming,” caught the attention of media outlets that then re-shared the clip.
![Genesis Dean and Taylor Swift jamming at the Grammys. | Source: Instagram/therealswizzz](https://cdn.amomama.com/3317ad7ddc1f3e41bd92e27178e388569bef415b20e1a46d7ddd536da16972cd.png)
Genesis Dean and Taylor Swift jamming at the Grammys. | Source: Instagram/therealswizzz
The special interaction was not just limited to the dance floor, as cameras also captured touching moments between Swift and Dean. One image showed the pop star leaning in to chat with him.
![Taylor Swift speaking to Genesis Dean at the 67th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California on February 2, 2025. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/3a562667b47005f9444e682d4bfb9fc6a490668f18fd1872fdcae93ca8bb75be.jpg)
Taylor Swift speaking to Genesis Dean at the 67th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California on February 2, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
At another point, Swift gave the little boy a heartfelt hug as she smiled widely while he wrapped his arms around her.
![Taylor Swift and Genesis Dean sharing an embrace. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/caca647b01a99cb6bd6ab87cf1e84674809ff1f7950d89ccd8f71936421121f8.jpg)
Taylor Swift and Genesis Dean sharing an embrace. | Source: Getty Images
As the footage of Swift’s dance with Dean spread across social media, netizens quickly shared their opinions. Some viewers gushed over the pop star’s enthusiasm, praising her lively energy and kindness.
“Love Taylor, love her energy, love how she celebrates for [sic] everyone’s wins,” expressed one fan. Another admirer chimed in with, “She’s such a sweetheart ❤️,” while someone else imagined what Swift’s nurturing side might look like, exclaiming, “Imagine her as a mommy!!”
![Genesis Dean smiling as he dances with Taylor Swift at the Grammys. | Source: Instagram/entertainmenttonight](https://cdn.amomama.com/756c45794002c78cadefc5afdab8bf381b67d28115d9f7277ab37e8e27c7ea83.png)
Genesis Dean smiling as he dances with Taylor Swift at the Grammys. | Source: Instagram/entertainmenttonight
Echoing this sentiment, another supporter confidently stated, “She’s going to be a great mom.” Others, however, weren’t as charmed by the moment.
“She’s an attention seeker,” remarked a critic. Another called the interaction “STAGED.” The criticism didn’t stop there, as one viewer expressed their frustration, writing, “So what!!!! She was so annoying last night on the Grammy’s [sic].”
![Taylor Swift spinning around amid dancing with Genesis Dean. | Source: Instagram/entertainmenttonight](https://cdn.amomama.com/26b7182bdf860af735ff203b36ae3a3f3843bc73a95625e7496749d8c90b58f9.png)
Taylor Swift spinning around amid dancing with Genesis Dean. | Source: Instagram/entertainmenttonight
Still, many saw the moment for what it was—a fun and spontaneous exchange. “She had a blast! Lots of smiles and dancing!” observed a fan, while another gushed, “How cute!! They are having a ball!!”
While Swift’s dance with Dean stirred up mixed reactions online, the night was undeniably a triumphant one for the little boy’s mother, Keys.
The Grammy-winning artist added yet another accolade to her collection, taking home the prestigious Dr. Dre Global Impact Award—a recognition honoring artists who have made significant contributions to music and culture.
![Alicia Keys onstage with her Dr. Dre Global Impact Award and son Genesis Dean. | Source: Getty images](https://cdn.amomama.com/e95599b1cad3d45900cabc70f0b0744d583c08589356203c66f07451b4019403.jpg)
Alicia Keys onstage with her Dr. Dre Global Impact Award and son Genesis Dean. | Source: Getty images
Presented by legendary artist and actress Queen Latifah, the award highlighted Keys’ decades-long influence in the industry. As she took the stage to accept the honor, the “No One” singer radiated gratitude, delivering a heartfelt speech that paid tribute to those closest to her.
“My magnificent mother, who gave me life, my beautiful kids, Egypt, Genesis, KJ, Nicki, Nas, for sharing me with the world and to my brilliant husband, my soulmate and the ultimate dream weaver, Swizzy,” she said, acknowledging her family’s unwavering support.
![Alicia Keys giving her acceptance speech after Queen Latifah presented her with the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/f4f3de7a8a6a96054de819dc681f997ec12bca5a82920effe23b432326391897.jpg)
Alicia Keys giving her acceptance speech after Queen Latifah presented her with the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award. | Source: Getty Images
She also took a moment to uplift her fellow musicians in the room, adding, “And most importantly, to every artist out here tonight, you are brilliant.”
Dressed in a striking black and gold ensemble, Keys exuded regal elegance. Her gown featured intricate gold embellishments, with dazzling chandelier-like jewelry adorning her head and framing her face. With her hair styled in a sleek topknot and her bold red lip adding a pop of color, she commanded the stage with both her words and presence.
![Alicia Keys posing on the red carpet. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/091179384b4c4125e51fa1f2c23cb43c05d35adca9a47f81622eaec5cc095534.jpg)
Alicia Keys posing on the red carpet. | Source: Getty Images
Keys’ acceptance of the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award was more than just a personal milestone—it was a historic moment as she became the first woman ever to receive the prestigious honor.
The award had only been given twice before, first to Dr. Dre himself in 2023 and later to famous rapper Jay-Z in 2024. Now, Keys has joined the elite list of trailblazers.
![Alicia Keys during her acceptance speech at the Grammy Awards, posted on February 3, 2025. | Source: YouTube/Recording Academy/Grammys](https://cdn.amomama.com/2ac26c5b8eac03064300a55c15854d6ba901aafc15eea2bbe38146b2155db8f5.png)
Alicia Keys during her acceptance speech at the Grammy Awards, posted on February 3, 2025. | Source: YouTube/Recording Academy/Grammys
Reflecting on her journey, Keys spoke candidly about the challenges she has faced in the music industry, particularly as a female producer. “I always had to fight for a certain level of respect as a songwriter, a composer, and especially, a producer,” she admitted, addressing an issue many women in the field have long encountered.
She challenged the industry’s perception, questioning why women weren’t as readily recognized as producers on the level of Quincy Jones, or Dr. Dre—a reality she called out before shining a light on the contributions of Patrice Rushen, Missy Elliott, Linda Perry, Grimes, and Solange Knowles.
“We stand together, so it’s a beautiful feeling to be acknowledged for the thing I always thought people didn’t really recognize about me,” she continued, dedicating her award to “all the ladies that know the magic that they bring to the room.”
Beyond her personal reflections, Keys used her moment in the spotlight to address a broader issue—the increasing threats to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the U.S.
![Alicia Keys posing with Janelle Monáe and Victoria Monét at the Grammys. | Source: Instagram/aliciakeys](https://cdn.amomama.com/46faad63f44dd05bbdb271e27580505a486ee32c0a0f52d4228cbe83fa4a0092.png)
Alicia Keys posing with Janelle Monáe and Victoria Monét at the Grammys. | Source: Instagram/aliciakeys
“This is not the time to shut down the diversity of voices. We’ve seen on this stage talented, hard-working people from different backgrounds, with different points of view, and it changes the game. DEI is not a threat, it’s a gift—and the more voices, the more powerful the sound,” she declared, emphasizing the importance of representation in the arts.
![Alicia Keys posing for a photo in her Grammys outfit. | Source: Instagram/aliciakeys](https://cdn.amomama.com/71494aa07cebf82960a2dd6466756dcbefc73e8eaef1a8d98803d57608e68a78.png)
Alicia Keys posing for a photo in her Grammys outfit. | Source: Instagram/aliciakeys
With her signature poetic eloquence, Keys likened the resilience of artists and marginalized communities to the mythological phoenix rising from the ashes. She ended her speech with a heartfelt appeal for “soul care,” urging people to continue fostering empathy, compassion, and opportunity in the industry.
Keys’ latest accolade adds to her already staggering legacy at the Grammys. Since making her Grammy debut in 2002—when she scored five wins, including Best New Artist and Song of the Year for “Fallin’”—she has continued to be a dominant force.
Over the years, she has been nominated 32 times and has earned 17 Grammy wins, spanning multiple categories from Best R&B Album to Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for her and Jay-Z’s hit “Empire State of Mind.”
![Alicia Keys posing with her Grammy awards at the 44th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California on February 27, 2002. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/ac9243a207a1aa25500975e4e2afba04f6604323a48279cf8fb46afcefd95929.jpg)
Alicia Keys posing with her Grammy awards at the 44th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California on February 27, 2002. | Source: Getty Images
Most recently, she celebrated another victory when she won Best Musical Theater Album for “Hell’s Kitchen,” the Broadway production inspired by her life.
Following the momentous affair, Keys took to Instagram to share glimpses of her unforgettable night at the 67th Grammy Awards.
![Alicia Keys speaking on stage with her award. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/c9ee499d77a8af38c8420e347e6ac344fef4535e9161e039d43336190b1c4b69.jpg)
Alicia Keys speaking on stage with her award. | Source: Getty Images
The singer posted a series of photos capturing some of the evening’s most special moments—including heartwarming snapshots with her family, candid shots with fellow stars like Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus, and images of her Dr. Dre Global Impact Award.
![Beyoncé and Alicia Keys posing for a picture at this year's Grammy Awards, posted on February 3, 2025. | Source: Instagram/aliciakeys](https://cdn.amomama.com/dbd77b0519606652922b328bc7ebc126fcff7db91bf3c646736c90d6ccf76bae.png)
Beyoncé and Alicia Keys posing for a picture at this year’s Grammy Awards, posted on February 3, 2025. | Source: Instagram/aliciakeys
Expressing her gratitude and awe, Keys kept her caption short yet reflective of the magic of the night. “Wow!! what a night…. ✨✨✨🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 🙏🏾✨✨✨,” penned the star, allowing the pictures to speak for themselves.
Alicia Keys was not the only member of her family who appeared to have a blast at the awards show, as the dancing video of her youngest son showed that he, too, had some fun while dancing with Swift.
![Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys with their sons Egypt and Genesis Dean at the Grammys. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/e7b96c0fa9d8c7335447b3ed7ef14ab7f30d69caa98cea297d997f2af33e4937.jpg)
Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys with their sons Egypt and Genesis Dean at the Grammys. | Source: Getty Images
The recent commentary surrounding that moment is not the first time Taylor Swift has garnered a flurry of online attention for her dancing, as social media users were quick to react to video footage of her jamming during fellow artist Sabrina Carpenter’s performance.
![Netizen comment about Taylor Swift, posted on February 3, 2025. | Source: Facebook/EntertainmentTonight](https://cdn.amomama.com/35ca9770761957483ab5578e01e6904eaa3410fcb4f191b5f0a677c4c96b7c0e.jpg)
Netizen comment about Taylor Swift, posted on February 3, 2025. | Source: Facebook/EntertainmentTonight
Swift arrived at the ceremony wearing her shimmering red sleeveless mini-dress with her golden hair worn loose. During the show, she was seen in the audience swaying to Carpenter’s performance of “Please Please Please.”
![Taylor Swift is seen dancing at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/08ed87a5e7eec1b95a636c3679f828af6e62495d23f9a6e2d4421996cde723ce.jpg)
Taylor Swift is seen dancing at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards. | Source: Getty Images
At one moment, Swift placed her hands together in a prayer-like gesture while moving to the beat. Shortly after, she turned to her longtime collaborator and producer Jack Antonoff, who worked on the track with Carpenter, and shook his shoulders in excitement.
While some online spectators praised Swift’s enthusiasm, others felt she was drawing attention away from Carpenter’s moment on stage.
On Instagram, one user commented, “Can’t she just let someone else have the spotlight?” Another added, “Entitled enough to think she doesn’t have to sit like everyone else.”
![Taylor Swift dancing at the Grammys. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/a725ed998749a1fa78aefac38d07d415f727a51818c41cabcee50dc01c15a99f.jpg)
Taylor Swift dancing at the Grammys. | Source: Getty Images
Facebook users also shared their thoughts, with one writing, “inappropriate for her to draw attention to herself while Sabrina is performing. Immaturity [sic].” Another commented, “There she go’s [sic] stealing the spotlight.”
![Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter posing at the Grammys. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/fff1a9b3b7978a75627d3a419460af124222bd5dcceec2ccec5d1d4f617a5e93.jpg)
Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter posing at the Grammys. | Source: Getty Images
Opinions on X (formerly Twitter) were divided. While one user criticized Swift’s actions, writing, “there ain’t a woman out there as attention seeking as TS [sic],” others defended her enthusiasm.
One post read, “i love how she’s shamelessly herself even though she knows there’s cameras on her at all times. her undying support for her friends is so cute [sic].” Another simply stated, “she’s [sic] so cute and supportive.”
![Taylor Swift giving Sabrina Carpenter a kiss on the head. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/2db1a7c431b9a3350364a6d10549387a7c5d3b1f699ba98e11e570f333144a46.jpg)
Taylor Swift giving Sabrina Carpenter a kiss on the head. | Source: Getty Images
Carpenter delivered a high-energy performance that included a medley of her hits. The night marked a major milestone for the 25-year-old singer, who had a breakthrough moment at the 67th Grammy Awards.
![Sabrina Carpenter is seen holding her Grammy Awards, posted on February 3, 2025. | Source: Instagram/sabrinacarpenter](https://cdn.amomama.com/36b649007a56a7f17c81d402253f734a281f8a2404346bb6c50a86f20e88fd66.png)
Sabrina Carpenter is seen holding her Grammy Awards, posted on February 3, 2025. | Source: Instagram/sabrinacarpenter
She entered the evening with six nominations and walked away with two wins—Best Pop Vocal Album for “Short n’ Sweet” and Best Pop Solo Performance for “Espresso.”
Her nominations included Best New Artist, Album of the Year for “Short n’ Sweet,” Song of the Year for “Please Please Please,” and Record of the Year for “Espresso.” With her latest achievements, Carpenter cemented her place among today’s top pop artists.
After winning Best Pop Vocal Album, Carpenter took the stage to deliver a heartfelt speech. “I’m still out of breath from the performance, so I really was not expecting this,” she said, reflecting on the moment.
Acknowledging her competition, she added, “And all of those nominees that were just on the screen are some of my favorite artists in the world, and I can’t believe I’m nominated against them or even in this room right now.”
![Sabrina Carpenter accepts the Best Pop Vocal Album for "Short n' Sweet" onstage. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/caad4c7f2a19e9d6b9fe434e364ce53db40f286d4d2b718dbf74354ed8f6dc31.jpg)
Sabrina Carpenter accepts the Best Pop Vocal Album for “Short n’ Sweet” onstage. | Source: Getty Images
As a first-time Grammy winner, the night was deeply emotional for Carpenter. “This is, whoo, my first Grammys, so I’m gonna cry,” she admitted, holding up a napkin where she had written names to thank. “But I wrote names so I wouldn’t forget on this napkin, and now it’s probably all messed up.”
![Sabrina Carpenter during her acceptance speech. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/23b8044640c709734e46351978a52a0b77724321f764c9e3415a615fa96c4fca.jpg)
Sabrina Carpenter during her acceptance speech. | Source: Getty Images
Despite her nerves, she went on to express gratitude to the Recording Academy and the music community, “I feel so lucky to be able to come together and do something so special and beautiful and celebrate music.”
She also thanked her family, “My mom, for driving me to every voice lesson,” and gave a special mention to her dad and sisters.
Wrapping up her speech, Carpenter playfully acknowledged her excitement, “And what the hell—I don’t know if I’m allowed to say ‘hell,’ but I’ve said it three times now. So thank you, this is so special to me, and ‘Short n’ Sweet’ means the world.”
Before leaving the stage, she made sure to recognize her producers, “I love you guys, you have no idea how much I love you and how much this album means to me. Thank you, holy [expletive]! Bye!”
![Sabrina Carpenter happily accepts the Best Pop Vocal Album award for "Short n' Sweet." | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/727e6347f04da769efdfec2334b4d6b4b40942100d5c540b5f6988410bb052e4.jpg)
Sabrina Carpenter happily accepts the Best Pop Vocal Album award for “Short n’ Sweet.” | Source: Getty Images
In an interview shared the following day, Carpenter shed light on how surreal the Grammy recognition felt. “The day of the Grammy nominations. When they came out, I was on my tour bus. It was an explosion of happiness, tears, laughter. It was euphoric,” she recalled.
She also expressed how deeply fulfilling her album’s success had been, adding, “This album doing what it’s done has been fulfilling to me because I am just being myself with maybe bigger hair.”
![Sabrina Carpenter attends the 67th Annual Grammy Awards. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/bfc6b913e2dc6809e5233bfcd44bb3f75ebdcb488cbeb0b6e7583ab8f0a8f868.jpg)
Sabrina Carpenter attends the 67th Annual Grammy Awards. | Source: Getty Images
Carpenter’s journey to this moment has been marked by persistence. Speaking to Time months before the Grammys (October 2024), she reflected on the years of hard work leading up to her breakout success.
“There were so many things I dreamt of doing as a little girl I got to do this year that felt like such a cool, sweet, little bucket-list moment for my younger self,” she shared. Looking back at her “Saturday Night Live” debut, she added, “I literally threw up when I found out about SNL. Not to be graphic.”
![Sabrina Carpenter performs "Feather/Nonsense" on Saturday Night Live's Season 49 on May 18, 2024. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/8a9694258b596eae438ace171778524ede387495ad4988a89517f237325775af.jpg)
Sabrina Carpenter performs “Feather/Nonsense” on Saturday Night Live’s Season 49 on May 18, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
For Carpenter, performing at the Grammys was another dream come true. “If I could perform at the Grammys, I think I would throw up with excitement,” she said at the time. Months later, that dream became reality.
![Sabrina Carpenter performs onstage during the 67th Grammy Awards. | Source: Getty Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/4bd4fc4278f2150e15302b1696b741899a88a95aaef915a653a97d739cbd608c.jpg)
Sabrina Carpenter performs onstage during the 67th Grammy Awards. | Source: Getty Images
While Carpenter celebrated the biggest night of her career, Swift’s lively reaction became an unexpected talking point.
The moment has continued to spark debate, with some questioning whether she overshadowed the performance, while others see it as a display of genuine support. Regardless, both artists made a lasting impact on the 2025 Grammy Awards.