Chappell Roan made headlines at the 2025 Grammy Awards by winning the coveted Grammy for Best New Artist, triumphing over notable contenders including Sabrina Carpenter. This victory highlights Roan’s remarkable ascent in the music industry, particularly after facing challenges, including being dropped by her previous record label.
The openly queer artist captivated audiences in 2024 with her vibrant tracks such as “Good Luck, Babe!”, “Red Wine Supernova,” and “Hot To Go!” from her acclaimed 2023 album “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.” In her acceptance speech, Roan emphasized the need for record labels to provide better support for emerging artists, advocating for a livable wage and health care—a poignant reference to her own journey through adversity in the industry. “It was devastating to feel so committed to my art and feel so betrayed by the system and dehumanized,” she expressed, concluding with a rallying cry for labels: “Labels, we got you but do you got us?”
In addition to her win, Roan garnered five nominations this year, including Album of the Year and Song of the Year, marking her as one of the most celebrated artists of the event. This recognition follows her earlier achievements, including a win for Best New Artist at the 2024 MTV VMAs.
Roan’s music journey began in 2015 with Atlantic Records, but her career faced a setback in 2020 when she was dropped by the label, leading her to return to her roots as a barista. Her resurgence began as she opened for Olivia Rodrigo on her Guts Tour, leading to record-breaking crowds at festivals like Lollapalooza.
Drawing inspiration from her experiences growing up in Missouri without a queer community, Roan’s songs reflect a blend of daydreams and her struggles. She has now entered the ranks of distinguished past winners of the Grammy for Best New Artist, a list that includes legends like The Beatles, Carly Simon, and Adele.
Overall, Roan’s story is one of resilience and determination, inspiring many to pursue their passions despite setbacks. Her advocacy for better support in the music industry could lead to significant changes that benefit emerging artists in the future.