Chappell Roan is not backing down. The latest winner of Best New Artist at the Grammys is standing firm behind the statements she made during her acceptance speech about record labels not providing living wages for emerging artists.
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"If my label would have prioritized artists' health, I could have been provided care by a company I was giving everything to," Roan said during her Best New Artist acceptance speech on Sunday, Feb. 2. "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?"
Roan's speech was subsequently criticized in a guest column by music exec Jeff Rabhan, who called Roan naïve and told her to put her money where her mouth is. That's precisely what Roan did: donating $25,000 to a charity helping struggling artists and challenging her critics to do the same. While Rabhan hasn't matched the donation — saying he works as a teacher now, as reported by USA Today — other artists like Charli XCX have matched it.
Roan now has doubled down on her statements in a series of Instagram stories, writing:
"Sharing my personal experience on the Grammy stage wasn't meant to be a crowdfunded bandaid but a call to action to the leaders of the industry to step up, help us make real change and protect their investments in a sustainable way. My mind will not be changed about artists deserving more than what's standard in the industry. Random dudes are allowed to criticize my Grammy speech, but they best put their money where their mouth is, otherwise MOVE out of the way."
Chappell Roan via Instagram story.
Instagram (@chappellroan)
On her next Instagram story, Roan revealed that she was partnering with Backline for this donation, which is a charity that connects artists to health care, mental health support, and other resources.
Roan also reiterated that her fans shouldn't feel any pressure to donate any money, as this challenge had been directed at other high-profile individuals in the music industry. The pop star wrote:
"Fans, yall don't have to donate a damn penny. This is one of many opportunities for the industry powers to show up for artists. There is much more work to be done."
Chappell Roan via Instagram story.
Instagram (@chappellroan)
Roan also shared a receipt showing her $25,000 donation to Backline. The confirmation email read:
"Dear Chappell,
Your gift has already made an impact on artists...
Thank you for your generous gift of $25,000.00 to Backline on February 9, 2025.
We want to personally thank you for making the work Backline does to create a safer and more supported music industry. Your kindness is instrumental to the work we do connecting the music industry with mental health and wellness resources."
Chappell Roan via Instagram story.
Instagram (@chappellroan)
It's unclear if Rabhan will follow Roan's lead and also contribute with a donation. Beyond Charli XCX and the musicians who have already stood by Roan, it's possible that even more artists could join her effort to support new artists.
Learn more about Backline's work and initiatives on Backline.care.
