Chappell Roan made a major 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 Grammys took place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, with Roan sharing the stage with other notable nominees such as Benson Boone, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Khruangbin, Raye, Shaboozey, and Teddy Swims. Roan’s win was a significant milestone in her rising career, but it was her powerful acceptance speech that truly captivated the music world.
A Powerful Speech on Industry Injustice
While her performance at the Grammys was already a notable achievement, it was her heartfelt speech that became the defining moment of the evening. Known for her bold musicality and unapologetic style, Roan used her platform to address a crucial issue within the music industry—the lack of healthcare and fair treatment for emerging artists. Holding a notebook in her hand, Roan spoke candidly about her struggles, specifically the lack of support for young artists who are often exploited by labels despite contributing millions in profits.
“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 healthcare, especially to developing artists,” Roan said with passion, receiving a strong reaction from the audience. She opened up about her own journey, sharing that she had signed her first contract as a minor, only to be dropped from the label with little career experience and without any access to healthcare.
Advocating for Change: A Message to Labels
In her speech, Roan expressed the devastation she felt when realizing that her commitment to her art was not reciprocated by the industry. “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,” she explained. The raw honesty in her words struck a chord with many in the industry, highlighting the growing concerns surrounding the treatment of vulnerable, up-and-coming artists.
Her speech ended with a direct challenge to the record labels: “Labels, we got you, but do you got us?” This rallying cry resonated deeply, especially at a time when the conversation around artist welfare and rights is gaining increasing attention.
The Impact of Roan’s Win and Advocacy
Roan’s victory at the 2025 Grammys was not just a celebration of her remarkable talent, but also a call for change within an industry that often takes advantage of its stars. In addition to her Best New Artist win, Roan received five total Grammy nominations, including Best Pop Solo Performance for her hit track “Good Luck, Babe!” and Best Pop Vocal Album for her album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess. These nominations reflected the significant impact Roan has had on the music scene in just a short amount of time.
Alongside Roan, other breakout stars such as Sabrina Carpenter also earned major recognition. Carpenter, 25, received multiple nominations, including Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Vocal Album. Other notable artists like Shaboozey, Doechii, and Raye also received acclaim for their contributions to the music industry.
Best New Artist: A Historic Category
The Best New Artist category at the Grammys has long been one of the most prestigious honors, with previous winners including musical legends like The Beatles, Mariah Carey, Billie Eilish, and Olivia Rodrigo. Winning this award marks a major milestone in any artist’s career, and for Roan, it was a moment that reflected both her artistic achievement and the increasing recognition of her voice within the industry. However, as her speech made clear, winning an award is just one part of an artist’s journey. The conversation she started at the Grammys about the realities of the music industry will continue to reverberate across the world of music for years to come.
A Call for Fair Treatment in the Music Industry
Roan’s powerful call for better healthcare and financial stability for emerging musicians is both timely and necessary. As the music industry grapples with how to fairly compensate and support the artists who drive its success, Roan’s words have brought vital attention to the ongoing challenges faced by up-and-coming musicians. Her advocacy is a reminder that while the industry may celebrate its stars, there must also be a commitment to ensuring that these artists are treated fairly and provided the resources they need to thrive, both personally and professionally.
In her Grammy acceptance speech, Chappell Roan did not just demand change—she set the stage for a larger conversation about artist rights, industry practices, and the need for a more equitable future for musicians. Her win at the 2025 Grammys marked not only the beginning of a promising career but also a turning point in the ongoing fight for justice within the music industry.
