Chappell Roan is using her platform for good. After winning the coveted Grammy Award for Best New Artist, Chappell took to the stage to deliver a powerful speech slamming music labels for their lack of financial support for their artists, big and small.
“I told myself that if I ever won a Grammy and got to stand up here before the most powerful people in music, I would demand that labels in the industry profiting millions of dollars off of artists would offer a livable wage and health care, especially developing artists,” she bravely said in front of a room of music industry and label big dogs.
Her surprising yet inspiring statement was instantly met with raucous applause by the crowd.
“I got signed so young, I got signed as a minor. When I got dropped, I had zero job experience under my belt, and like most people, I had … quite a difficult time finding a job in the pandemic and [could not] afford insurance,” Chappell continued.
“It was devastating to feel so committed to my art and feel so betrayed by the system and dehumanised.
“If my label had prioritised it, I could have been provided care for a company I was giving everything to. 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?”
You can watch the special moment below.
Earlier in the night, Chappell also used the global platform of the event to send a message to the transgender community in light of Donald Trump’s policies directly targeting trans people.
After being asked on the red carpet if she had a message for LGBTQIA+ community, Chappell delivered a heartfelt message to the trans community.
“Trans people have always existed and they will forever exist and they will never, no matter what happens, take trans joy away,” she said.
“I would not be here without trans girls. So just know that pop music is thinking about you and cares about you and I’m trying my best to stand up for you in every way that I can.”
Chappell Roan is nominated for six Grammy Awards at the 67th Grammy Awards ceremony including Best Pop Vocal Album, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Best Pop Solo Performance, Record of the Year and Best New Artist, which she won.
Kudos to Chappell for not only being a brilliant musician, but for using her voice for positive change.
