Chappell Roan made a significant impact at the Grammy Awards on Sunday night by using her acceptance speech for Best New Artist to advocate for better treatment of emerging musicians in the music industry. The 26-year-old singer, who has faced her own challenges in the industry, called on record labels to provide young artists with a livable wage and healthcare, highlighting the need for systemic change.
Standing before a crowd of influential figures in the music world, Roan expressed her commitment to fighting for the rights of artists, stating, “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 in the industry profiting millions of dollars off of artists would offer a livable wage and healthcare, especially to developing artists.” Her passionate plea resonated with the audience, prompting applause and even standing ovations.
Roan shared her personal experience of being signed to a record label as a minor, only to be dropped five years later, which left her with no job experience and no health insurance during the pandemic. “It was so devastating to feel so committed to my art and feel so betrayed by the system and feel so dehumanized,” she reflected. She emphasized that had her label prioritized artists’ health, she could have received the necessary care while dedicating herself to her music.
Her statement underscored a broader issue within the music industry, where many artists struggle to secure basic necessities despite the profits generated by their work. Roan concluded her speech with a direct challenge to record labels: “Labels, we got you, but do you got us?”
Roan’s journey in the music industry has been tumultuous. After starting her career as a teenager under the name Kayleigh Rose, she was signed to Atlantic Records in 2015 but was dropped in 2020. In a recent turn of events, she signed with Dan Nigro’s independent label, Amusement Records, and released her debut album, "The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess," in partnership with Island Records.
Her Grammy win and her bold speech signal a growing awareness and demand for change in how the music industry treats its artists, particularly those who are just starting their careers. Roan exited the stage to thunderous applause, leaving a lasting impression on both her peers and the industry at large.