ST. LOUIS — In a breakthrough moment at the 2025 Grammy Awards, Chappell Roan is named Best New Artist. This is just the latest in her journey from a small Ozarks town to the pinnacle of pop music. The 26-year-old singer-songwriter, originally from Willard, Missouri, seized the spotlight not just with her win but with a speech challenging the music industry’s treatment of developing artists.
Roan, who was dropped by her previous record label, has become a force in pop music with her debut album, “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.” Her tracks like “Good Luck, Babe!” and “Red Wine Supernova” have catapulted her to fame, blending bold pop aesthetics with queer representation.
During her acceptance speech, Roan directly confronted record labels, demanding livable wages and health care for artists. “It was devastating to feel so committed to my art and feel so betrayed by the system and dehumanized,” she declared.
Her rise is particularly notable given her background. Raised in a conservative Missouri community, Roan grew up attending church three times a week before emerging as an openly queer artist who celebrates drag culture. She has become a beacon of representation for LGBTQIA+ youth in similar small towns, consistently emphasizing the importance of authenticity.
Beyond her Grammy for Best New Artist, Roan also received nominations in major categories, including album of the year, song of the year, and best pop vocal album.