In a defining moment at the 67th annual Grammy Awards, Chappell Roan clinched the prestigious Best New Artist title, surpassing fellow nominee Sabrina Carpenter. This victory signifies a significant milestone in Roan’s burgeoning career, marking an impressive ascent in the music industry despite earlier setbacks.
Chappell Roan’s journey to the Grammy stage was marked by determination and resilience. Initially signed to a major label in 2015, Roan’s journey took a turn when she was dropped in 2020. Undeterred, she returned to her hometown, took up a job as a barista, and continued to pursue her passion for music. Her efforts culminated in the release of her 2023 album, “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess,” featuring hits like “Good Luck, Babe!” and “Red Wine Supernova.”
Roan’s success this year can be attributed not only to her talent but also to her ability to connect with audiences through her distinctive style, which embraces her queer identity and draws from drag culture. Her performance at the Grammys captivated the audience, earning her the Best New Artist accolade. This achievement came alongside nominations for Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Record of the Year.
In her acceptance speech, Roan highlighted the challenges faced by emerging artists, emphasizing the need for record labels to provide a livable wage and health care. She passionately expressed her feelings about the current system, stating, “It was devastating to feel so committed to my art and feel so betrayed by the system and dehumanized.” Her call to action was met with applause as she questioned, “Labels, we got you but do you got us?”
Roan’s career experienced a pivotal boost when she opened for Olivia Rodrigo on the Guts Tour and set a record at Lollapalooza with her performance. Her influence grew as she received the Best New Artist award at the 2024 MTV VMAs.
Roan’s experiences have continually fueled her music, which she describes as forming from daydreams rooted in her upbringing in Missouri. She shared that the feeling of “not having a queer community growing up and feeling really weird” played a significant role in her creative process.
Chappell Roan now joins an illustrious group of past Grammy winners, including The Beatles, Mariah Carey, and John Legend, each of whom has left their mark on music history.
Chappell Roan’s accomplishment at the 2025 Grammys stands as a testament to her perseverance and talent. Her journey illustrates the power of resilience and authenticity in achieving success within the music industry. As she continues to evolve as an artist, Roan remains a powerful voice for change in the industry.
