Chappell Roan, the vibrant talent who captured hearts with her hit singles, made headlines at the 67th Grammy Awards by not only winning the coveted Best New Artist award but also using her platform to advocate for significant changes within the music industry. Roan's acceptance speech was not just celebratory; it was drenched with urgency as she called for the industry to take ownership of its responsibilities toward artists, particularly the rising stars.
Accepting her award on Sunday night, Roan, whose real name is Kayleigh Amstutz, spoke passionately about the pressing need for the music industry to provide healthcare and livable wages. “I told myself if I ever won a Grammy and I got to stand up here in front of the most powerful people in music, I would demand...offer a livable wage, especially to developing artists,” she declared to the raucous applause of her peers.
With the music industry generating billions, millions earned through streaming, concert tickets, and merchandise sales often don't trickle down to the artists who create the content. Roan's mention of this disparity resonates deeply when she recounted her own experiences, sharing how being signed as a minor led to challenges when her label dropped her. “Because I got signed so young—I got signed as a minor—when I got dropped, I had zero job experience under my belt...I could not afford health insurance,” she explained, highlighting the struggles many young artists face.
Roan's plea for acknowledgment and support isn’t merely self-serving; it's reflective of wider issues encountered by many artists today. The reality is, most artists find themselves fighting tooth and nail just to make ends meet, and Roan spoke from experience when she denounced the lack of care and support from record labels. “It was so devastating to feel so committed to my art and feel so betrayed by the system and so dehumanized to not have healthcare,” she expressed, her voice echoing her frustration.
During her uplifting speech, Roan extended her comments to address all record labels, urging them to “treat their artists as valuable employees.” This declaration resonates with many musicians who are often seen as replaceable cogs within the industry's lucrative machine. By framing the conversation around artists’ welfare, Chappell Roan thrust herself not only as a rising star but as a champion for systemic change.
Roan’s sentiments about artists’ struggles align with observations from fellow artists; many have echoed her concerns. For example, Raye, one of Roan's nominees, shared how she was merely “breaking even” even after collaborating with major names like Beyoncé. The scene is filled with artists who, even with recognition, still find themselves grappling with hidden costs associated with their craft—expenses for touring, recording, and promotional efforts consistently outspending their gains.
On stage, surrounded by influential figures, Roan’s voice stood out, catching the attention not just of fans but of industry executives too. She implored the powerful entities profiting from her and her peers’ talents to re-evaluate their priorities. “Labels, we got you, but do you got us?” she asked, placing the onus back on the industry leaders.
Beyond her powerful speech, Roan’s night was noteworthy for her six nominations, including accolades for her album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and was nominated for Album of the Year. Her performance of “Pink Pony Club”—complete with theatrical flair and choreography—showcased her talents to the stunned audience, cementing her place as not just another artist, but as an entertainer with gravitas and purpose.
The emotional bearing of Roan's speech has the potential to spark necessary conversations in the industry, prompting discussions on how labels can implement fair practices. Awareness raised from platforms like the Grammys can be pivotal. Roan, like many others, has faced the toll of the industry's architecture on mental health. Not long ago, she opened up on stage during another performance about her feelings amid this whirlwind success. “I just want to be honest with the crowd. I feel a little off today because I think my career has just gone really fast and it’s really hard to keep up,” she said, reflecting on the challenges of swift fame.
Set to perform at numerous summer festivals, including Reading Leeds and Primavera Sound, Roan's year is just beginning. With her award now secured, and momentum at her back, she is positioned prominently to continue her advocacy for her fellow artists and working toward equitable treatment within the industry.
Chappell Roan has proven she is more than just another voice; she is paving the way for change, reminding us all of the very human side of artistry and the need for collective support from both fans and the industry.