- Chappell Roan is one of pop’s most outspoken artists
- And the singer grabbed the opportunity to speak about two very important issues at this year’s Grammy awards
- Roan used her Best New Artist acceptance speech to call out the music industry
Chappell Roan is one of the biggest stars in the music industry.
And after years of hard work – including getting dropped by her record label and having to work in a drive-thru coffee shop until her career exploded last year – the singer, 26, is finally receiving her flowers.
Taking home the Best New Artist award at last night’s Grammys, it wouldn’t be a win from Roan without her using her acceptance speech to make an important political point.
“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, especially to developing artists,” she said.
“Record labels need to treat their artists as valuable employees with a livable wage and health insurance and protection. Labels, we got you – but do you got us?”
Roan’s words went down a storm on social media.
“Chappell Roan wins a f****** Grammy and calls out the entire system and demands labels to provide a livable wage and health insurance,” praised one fan. “God, I love her so much and how she refuses to conform to the industry. No one does it like her.”
Another agreed, “Coolest s*** anyone said up there since that Fiona Apple speech in ‘97 – one of the first statements in years to be genuinely disruptive, revolutionary and challenging in an industry that loves to hollowly pat itself on the back. My mind is made up – Chappell I f****** love you girl.”
While some commented that Roan will “change the world” and “is always going to take the opportunity to say something important about helping people”, others noted the importance of prominent artists who do not have family in showbiz.
Referencing JJ Abrams’ musician daughter, Gracie Abrams, one follower added, “Chappell Roan is why it’s important we have talent who aren’t nepo babies – because you know a famous director’s daughter isn’t going to get up there and talk about health insurance!!!”
Chappell Roan speaks up for trans rights
Roan’s acceptance speech wasn’t the only place she spoke about politics, however.
Upon her arrival at the ceremony, Roan took the opportunity to defend trans rights on the red carpet.
“It’s brutal right now, but trans people have always existed, and they will forever exist, and they will never no matter what happens take trans joy away, and that has to be protected more than anything,” she said.
Much like her comments about healthcare, Roan’s comments went down a storm.
One fan continued, “One of the main pop girlies right now being an openly lesbian drag queen, constantly defending trans rights, is so important to me. Oh Chappell Roan, you will always be famous.”
“A lesbian drag queen just won best new artist and used her red carpeted interview to talk about trans rights, and her grammy award speech to advocate for artists to have a livable wage. Chappell Roan the woman that you are!”
Harking back to those who have criticized Roan in the past for being outspoken, another fan added, “They really tried to smear Chappell Roan. That’s my Midwest weirdo.”
Someone else agreed, “Chappell Roan is brave and cool as hell and I’m glad she didn’t listen to the people telling her to shut up.”
Chappell Roan praised for Grammy performance
Of course, the praise for Roan didn’t stop there.
Along with artists such as Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX, Roan took to the stage to perform her hit, Pink Pony Club.
“This has to be one of the best Grammy performances ever. Chappell Roan you’ve done it again,” praised one fan, as another added, “It’s also wonderful because she first released this song in early 2020 and then was dropped by her label. It really is inspirational.”
Noting how she got “every single celebrity in the audience to sing”, others again noted her love of drag artists.
“Bless Chappell for performing this unabashedly QUEER anthem about DRAG BARS at the f****** Grammys during a time where trans and queer kids (and adults, for that matter) are so, so vulnerable,” wrote one. Another added, “It’s great to have such a big artist be a lesbian and show so much support for our community like that, we really need it.”
Finally, Roan – as well her fellow female nominees – was commended for her dedication to her craft.
“One of the things that makes this Grammys so special to me is I’ve seen these girls POUND THE PAVEMENT to make it happen,” applauded a fan. “Chappell, Sabrina, Raye, and Doechii were not afraid to be seen TRYING (and trying something unique at that) and tonight feels like a celebration of that.” Hear, hear!
