Chappell Roan’s ascendance to stardom culminated in a triumphant night at the 2025 Grammy Awards, marking a pivotal moment in her career. The 26-year-old singer-songwriter, a first-time nominee, garnered nominations in an impressive six categories, including the coveted “Big Four”: Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best New Artist. In addition, her work was recognized in the Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Pop Solo Performance categories. While Roan ultimately secured one win, her impactful presence at the ceremony transcended the mere acquisition of trophies.
The highlight of Roan’s evening came with her emotional acceptance speech for the Best New Artist award. In a moving address that resonated deeply with the audience, she leveraged her platform to advocate for better treatment of artists within the music industry. Roan poignantly recounted her personal struggles after being dropped by her label as a minor, highlighting the precarious financial situation faced by many developing artists. She called upon record labels to provide a livable wage and health insurance, emphasizing the need for greater protection and support for artists who contribute significantly to the industry’s success. Her heartfelt plea resonated with many and sparked a much-needed conversation about the economic realities faced by emerging musicians.
Roan’s victory in the Best New Artist category saw her triumph over a talented field of nominees, including Sabrina Carpenter, Shaboozey, Benson Boone, Doechii, Khruangbin, Raye, and Teddy Swims. While her album “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” and her hit single “Good Luck, Babe!” didn’t secure wins in their respective categories, their nominations themselves signified a significant achievement, acknowledging Roan’s artistic merit and growing influence within the music industry. The competition in each category was fierce, featuring industry titans like Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift, and Kendrick Lamar.
Roan’s album, “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess,” contended for the prestigious Album of the Year award against a diverse range of albums, including Beyoncé’s winning album “Cowboy Carter,” André 3000’s “New Blue Sun,” Carpenter’s “Short n’ Sweet,” Charli XCX’s “Brat,” Jacob Collier’s “Djesse Vol. 4,” Billie Eilish’s “Hit Me Hard and Soft,” and Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department.” This nomination placed Roan’s work alongside some of the most critically acclaimed albums of the year, solidifying her position as a rising force in music.
The song “Good Luck, Babe!” also earned nominations for both Record of the Year and Song of the Year. In the Record of the Year category, it faced competition from tracks by iconic artists such as The Beatles, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar (who won), Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift, and Post Malone. For Song of the Year, Roan’s hit single was nominated alongside works by Shaboozey, Lady Gaga, and Bruno Mars, further demonstrating the song’s impact and reach. The competition in both categories highlighted the quality and popularity of Roan’s work, placing her in the company of established and respected artists.
Within the pop music field, Roan’s album and single also received recognition. “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” was nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album alongside albums by Sabrina Carpenter (who won), Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift, and Ariana Grande. “Good Luck, Babe!” competed for Best Pop Solo Performance against tracks by Beyoncé, Charli XCX, and Billie Eilish, with Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” taking home the award. Despite not winning in these categories, the nominations reaffirmed the strength and appeal of Roan’s music within the pop genre.
Months prior to the Grammy Awards, during an appearance on “A Carpool Karaoke Christmas” in December 2024, Roan offered candid reflections on the awards show, describing it as a “double-edged sword” and likening it to a “talent show for the popular kids.” While acknowledging the complexities of the awards system, she expressed gratitude for the recognition and the honor of being nominated alongside her fellow artists. She hinted at the possibility of delivering a memorable acceptance speech, playfully suggesting a “controversial” element, foreshadowing the impactful statement she would ultimately make during the ceremony. Roan’s journey to the Grammys, culminating in her powerful advocacy for artists’ rights, solidified her position not only as a talented musician but also as a voice for change within the music industry.
