Chappell Roan wins Best New Artist at 2025 Grammys, calls for better support for emerging artists

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Chappell Roan took home the highly coveted Best New Artist award at the 2025 Grammys, using her moment on stage to advocate for better treatment of emerging musicians in the industry.

Victoria Monét, last year’s winner, returned to the stage to announce Roan as this year’s recipient. The Hot to Go! singer-songwriter expressed her gratitude to her fellow nominees, saying, “whose music got me through this past year.” She then opened a notebook, explaining that she had prepared remarks she always told herself she would deliver if she ever found herself in this position.

“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 in healthcare, especially to developing artists,” Roan declared, receiving cheers from the audience.

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She shared her personal struggles, revealing that she was signed as a minor but, after being dropped by her label, found herself without job experience or health care. She recounted the difficulty of finding employment during the pandemic. “It was so devastating to feel so committed to my art and feel so betrayed by the system and so dehumanized to not have help,” she said.

Addressing record labels directly, she challenged them with a pointed question: “Labels, we got you, but do you got us?” Her speech was met with applause, and cameras captured fellow nominee Sabrina Carpenter appearing emotional in response.

This year’s Best New Artist category featured a competitive lineup, including Benson Boone, Carpenter, Doechii, Khruangbin, RAYE, Shaboozey, and Teddy Swims. Before the award presentation, all nominees except Carpenter, Roan, and Khruangbin performed a medley, showcasing the musical diversity of the group.

Roan also captivated the audience with a performance of Pink Pony Club, celebrating her love for Los Angeles. Speaking about the song, she shared, “‘Pink Pony Club’ is my love letter to L.A. I love this city. L.A. gave me the courage to be myself because ultimately it is where I feel the most free.”