Chappell Roan Challenges Music Industry After Grammys Speech Criticism

The Best New Artist winner called for fair wages and healthcare for artists, sparking a public exchange with a former music executive.

Chappell Roan used her Grammy acceptance speech to demand that record labels provide livable wages and healthcare for their artists, citing her own struggles after being dropped by a label at a young age.
Former music executive Jeff Rabhan criticized Roan’s speech in an op-ed, calling her demands 'misguided' and suggesting she take action rather than just speak out.
Roan responded by challenging Rabhan to match her $25,000 donation to support struggling artists, promising transparency by sharing donation receipts.
In addition to her advocacy, Roan spotlighted four rising artists — Hemlocke Springs, Sarah Kinsley, Devon Again, and Baby Storme — to bring attention to underrepresented talent in the industry.
Artists and industry advocates, including Halsey, defended Roan’s speech, emphasizing the need for systemic change to support artists’ well-being and financial stability.