Rising pop star Chappell Roan made waves at the 2025 Grammy Awards, not just for winning Best New Artist but for using her platform to advocate for better treatment of developing musicians.
During her powerful acceptance speech, Roan challenged record labels to provide healthcare and living wages to their artists. "Record labels need to treat their artists as valuable employees with a livable wage and health insurance and protection," she declared before the music industry's elite. "Labels we got you, but do you got us?"
The 2025 Best New Artist winner triumphed over a competitive field that included Doechii, Sabrina Carpenter, Raye, Benson Boone, Khruangbin, Shaboozey, and Teddy Swims.
Roan's breakthrough came with her 2023 debut album "The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess," followed by her hit single "Good Luck, Babe!" in 2024. Her talent earned her nominations in all four major Grammy categories this year, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year.
The evening also featured Roan's memorable performance of "Pink Pony Club," where she took the stage alongside rodeo clowns and a massive pink pony prop, demonstrating the theatrical flair that has helped define her artistry.
The artist's bold stance on healthcare and fair compensation highlights ongoing discussions about artists' rights and working conditions in the music industry, particularly for those in early career stages.