Chappell Roan made waves at the 2025 Grammy Awards as she accepted the title of Best New Artist, seizing the opportunity to address the music industry's treatment of young artists. Roan, known for her catchy single 'Pink Pony Club,' took the stage at the Crypto.com Arena on February 2, 2025, wearing a whimsical conical princess hat and delivering a speech filled with gratitude and advocacy.
"Thank you to my fellow nominees, whose music got me through this past year — Brat was the best night of my life this year," she began, before transitioning to the pivotal moment of her speech. Roan stated, "I told myself if I ever won a Grammy and I got to stand up here before the most powerful people in music, I would demand labels and the industry profiting millions of dollars off of artists to offer a livable wage and healthcare, especially for developing artists."
The audience erupted with applause and cheers, clearly supportive of her call for change. Roan shared her personal struggles after being signed as a minor and then dropped by her previous label, Atlantic Records, in 2020 without having gained any job experience. "After I got dropped, I had zero job experience under my belt, and like most people, I had quite a difficult time finding a job during the pandemic and could not afford health insurance," she recalled emotionally.
Continuing her heartfelt address, Roan elaborated, "It was so devastating to feel so committed to my art and to feel so betrayed by the system and dehumanized. If my label had prioritized artists' health, I could have been provided care by the company I was giving everything to."
Her closing remarks left executives with a powerful call to action: "Labels, we got you — but do you got us?" The sentiment not only reflected her personal experiences but also encapsulated the frustrations many artists face within the music industry.
Earlier during the night, Roan captivated the crowd with her performance of 'Pink Pony Club,' which was complemented by theatrical elements like being atop a giant pink horse. She was accompanied by rodeo clowns, showcasing her unique and vibrant style, which has drawn much admiration since her rise to fame.
Roan's acceptance speech and her past experiences resonate with the growing conversation around equitable treatment for artists. According to industry observers, many fledgling musicians are stuck with record labels focused on profit without adequate support or resources to thrive. Roan's statement has sparked renewed discussions about the responsibilities of major labels and the support they need to offer their artists.
Roan's victory at the Grammys was not just about celebrating her success; it served as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by young artists trying to break through. She emphasized the need for music labels to treat their artists as valuable employees, advocating for fair compensation and comprehensive health benefits. The applause from her peers echoed her message, illustrating the collective yearning for reform.
Described as one of the standout moments of the night, Roan's comments quickly gained traction across social media platforms, where many fellow musicians voiced their support for her cause. The conversation around artist rights is more relevant than ever, and Roan's speech may be seen as the tipping point for necessary changes within the industry.
Beyond her Grammy win, Chappell Roan's recent success with her debut album 'The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess' has solidified her place as not just another pop star, but someone willing to speak truth to power. The album has garnered multiple nominations, including for Album of the Year, and her singles 'Good Luck, Babe!' have received accolades for their lyrical depth and relatability.
With her Grammy speech, Roan continues to challenge the music industry's status quo, striving for change not only for herself but for the countless others seeking opportunities within the unknown terrains of the music world. The question remains: will the industry take notice and start placing artists' well-being at the forefront?