At the highly anticipated 2025 Grammys, Chappell Roan triumphantly secured the Best New Artist award, using her moment in the spotlight to shed light on the plight of budding musicians within the music industry. Victoria Monet, the reigning champion from the previous year's category, graced the Grammy stage once more to proclaim Roan as this year's victor. The singer-songwriter behind the hit "Hot to Go!" expressed her gratitude to her fellow nominees, whose melodies served as her soundtrack through the past year.
With a notebook in hand, Roan ascended the stage to deliver remarks she had long envisioned for this very moment. "I vowed to myself," she began, "that should I ever find myself clutching a Grammy and addressing the music elite, I would urge labels and the industry, which reaps millions from artists' talents, to provide a livable wage and healthcare, particularly to emerging talents." Her words resonated with the audience, eliciting cheers of support.
Roan elaborated on her journey, revealing she had been signed as a minor and, upon being dropped by her label, found herself without job experience or health insurance. She recounted the struggles of securing employment amidst a pandemic. "It was heart-wrenching to feel so devoted to my craft yet so betrayed by a system that left me vulnerable and unsupported," she confessed, her voice tinged with emotion.
As she concluded her acceptance speech with a poignant question, "Labels, we have your back, but do you have ours?" the crowd erupted in applause. Camera lenses captured Sabrina Carpenter, another nominee, with misty eyes, moved by Roan's powerful message.
The race for Best New Artist was fiercely contested, featuring heavyweights such as Benson Boone, Carpenter, Doechii, Khruangbin, RAYE, Roan, Shaboozey, and Teddy Swims. With the exception of Carpenter, Roan, and Khruangbin, the artists mesmerized the audience with a medley performance before the award was revealed. Both Carpenter and Roan, who were also in contention for Album of the Year, showcased their unique talents solo during the ceremony, underlining the musical diversity among this year's nominees.
Roan's performance transported the Grammy audience to the "Pink Pony Club," a tribute to her love for Los Angeles. "The 'Pink Pony Club' is my ode to L.A.," she shared passionately. "This city embodies my freedom and encourages me to be my authentic self."
Hosted by Trevor Noah, the 2025 Grammy Awards aired live from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday. For the full list of winners and red carpet arrivals, click here.
Below is the full transcript of Roan's inspiring speech:
Hello, my heartfelt thanks to my fellow nominees whose melodies sustained me throughout the past year. Brat was undoubtedly the pinnacle of my year. My hat might slip, but everything will be alright. [Chuckles] Thank you to everyone who tuned in to bring me here today, and a special shoutout to Dan [Dan Nigro], Island Records, Amusement Records, my cherished friends, family, and most importantly, my Papa Chappell, after whom I named myself.
I promised myself that if I ever stood on this stage, facing the music industry's most influential figures, I would advocate for labels and the industry, which amasses millions from artists, to offer livable wages and healthcare, especially to budding talents. Being signed at such a tender age, when I was released, I lacked job experience and, like many, struggled to find employment during the pandemic, unable to afford health insurance.
Feeling deeply committed to my art yet betrayed by a system that offered no support was devastating. To be treated as less than human when in need was inhumane. Had my label prioritized artist well-being, I could have received care from an entity to which I dedicated everything. Therefore, record labels must regard their artists as invaluable employees, entitled to livable wages, health insurance, and protection.
