Chappell Roan won her first ever Grammy Award on Sunday night, beating out formidable artists such as Sabrina Carpenter and Doechii to take the title of Best New Artist. She also took the opportunity to call for record labels to provide artists with health insurance and a livable wage.
Taking the stage in a conical hennin hat befitting her flamboyant style (though she quickly lost it), Roan began her acceptance speech in the standard manner, thanking her supporters, collaborators, and family. The “Good Luck, Babe!” singer had no intention of squandering her platform though, seizing the opportunity to direct attention toward working conditions in the music industry.
“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 liveable wage and healthcare, especially to developing artists,” Roan said to cheers and applause, with fellow nominee Benson Boone even getting to his feet. A few others such as Taylor Swift were already on their feet in response to Roan’s win, but remained standing during her statements.
Reading from pre-prepared remarks, Roan recounted being signed to a label as a minor, then being dropped and having to search for employment while having “zero job experience.”
Mashable Top Stories
“Like most people, I had a difficult time finding a job in the [COVID-19] pandemic, and could not afford health insurance,” said Roan. “It was so devastating to feel so committed to my art, and feel so betrayed by the system, and so dehumanised to not have health [insurance]. And if my label would have prioritised artists’ health, I could have been provided care by a company I was giving everything to.”
“So record labels need to treat their artists as valuable employees with a livable wage and health insurance and protection,” Roan continued. “Labels, we got you, but do you got us?”
Roan’s comments were widely applauded both in the room and on social media, where many praised the singer for raising the issue.
Though Roan was nominated for six Grammy Awards, she only ended up taking home the trophy for Best New Artist. Yet as always, she was sure to make the most of her time on stage.
You can see the full list of winners at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards here.
