Chappell Roan made a significant impact at the 2025 Grammy Awards when she was awarded Best New Artist during the star-studded ceremony on Sunday, February 2. The 67th annual Grammy Awards took place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, with Roan sharing the stage with other notable nominees like Benson Boone, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Khruangbin, Raye, Shaboozey, and Teddy Swims.
A Powerful Speech on Industry Injustice
While Roan’s performance at the Grammys was already a major milestone, it was her speech that truly caught the attention of the music world. The rising star, known for her bold musicality and unapologetic style, used the moment to address a critical issue within the music industry. Reading from a notebook during her acceptance speech, Roan opened up about her struggles with the music business, particularly the lack of healthcare provided to up-and-coming artists like herself.
“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 that labels and the industry profiting millions of dollars off of artists would offer a livable wage and health care, especially to developing artists,” Roan shared with passion, drawing a powerful reaction from the crowd. She reflected on her own journey, having signed her first contract as a minor, only to be dropped from the label with little job experience and without health insurance.
Advocating for Change: A Message to Labels
Roan explained, “It was so devastating to feel so committed to my art and feel so betrayed by the system. If my label would have prioritized artists’ health, I could have been provided care by a company I was giving everything to.” The heartfelt speech resonated deeply with many in the audience, especially given the rising concerns about the treatment of young, vulnerable artists in the industry.
In her closing remarks, Roan sent a direct message to record labels: “Labels, we got you, but do you got us?” This was a rallying cry for the recognition and fair treatment of artists, a sentiment that has been gaining momentum in recent years.
The Impact of Roan’s Win and Advocacy
Roan’s win at the 2025 Grammys wasn’t just a recognition of her exceptional talent, but also a moment of advocacy for change within an industry that often exploits its stars. Along with Roan, other breakout artists such as Sabrina Carpenter received multiple nominations in prestigious categories, further highlighting the impact new talent is making on the music scene.
Roan, aged 26, was nominated for five Grammy Awards in total, including Best Pop Solo Performance for her track “Good Luck, Babe!” and Best Pop Vocal Album for her album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess. The year 2025 also marked a breakthrough for Carpenter, 25, who received nominations in Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Vocal Album. Other nominated artists included Shaboozey, Doechii, and Raye, who also gained recognition for their musical contributions.
Best New Artist: A Historic Category
The Best New Artist category has long been a prestigious honor, with past winners such as The Beatles, Mariah Carey, Billie Eilish, and Olivia Rodrigo paving the way for Roan’s success. However, as Roan’s speech demonstrated, winning an award is just one part of an artist’s journey. The conversation she started at the Grammys is one that will continue to reverberate through the industry. The Grammy Awards, known for celebrating musical achievements, also became a platform for meaningful dialogue about the realities of being an artist today.
A Call for Fair Treatment in the Music Industry
Roan’s call for better healthcare and financial stability for emerging musicians is not only timely but necessary, as the industry grapples with how to fairly compensate and support the very artists who fuel its success.