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Topics: Award Shows, Celebs, Chappell Roan, Grammys, Music
Ilana Frost
One thing about Chappell Roan is she’s gonna keep things interesting as fuck. You will never catch this diva serving a bland red carpet look, a lackluster performance, or an “I just wanna thank god and my parents” speech. And thank goodness for that. She really understands the Main Pop Girl assignment, which is why she made a grand ass entrance to the 2025 Grammys in full drag glam and a breathtaking yellow gown covered in ballerinas.
While I expected Chappell to sing “Good Luck, Babe!” since that song was nominated for song and record of the year (NBD), she opted to perform “Pink Pony Club” as a love letter to LA. And oh my god. One of the best Grammys performances I have EVER seen. When it was time for Chappell to give an acceptance speech, she used her the platform to share an important message and call for change in the music industry.
Here’s everything to know about Chappell Roan’s 2025 Grammys speech and performance.
Chappell turned the Grammys stage into the Pink Pony Club and delivered a pitch-perfect, powerful performance of the queer anthem. She rode a ginormous pink pony (I’d expect nothing less from this extra queen) and was surrounded by backup dancers dressed as circus clowns. By the end, she had the whole Grammys audience singing the chorus, and I had chills. It was a beautiful tribute to LA after the devastating fires, and also a heartfelt tribute to all her queer fans watching at home.
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Chappell previously teased her Grammys performance in a January 29 Insta post. “I love the performance we’re preparing for you all,” she wrote alongside a few car selfies. Her captioned continued, “And girl no matter what, just know when I’m up on stage, all I’m really feeling in my heart is love to the queer community especially those in places where it is unsafe to be yourself.”
As expected, Chappell took home the best new artist award and also as expected, she didn’t give a run of the mill speech. The singer took the opportunity to speak directly to labels and demand “a livable wage and healthcare to developing artists.” She explained that she got signed as a minor and when she got dropped, she had “zero job experience” under her belt. Chappell felt “betrayed by the system” and “dehumanized,” understandably.
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At the end of her speech, she looked right at the camera and finished: “Labels, we got you. But do you got us?” Teeeaaa. This got a huge round of applause from all the artists in the audience.
In her December 2024 Christmas special with Zane Lowe, A Carpool Karaoke Christmas, Chappell reflected on her nominations and possibly giving a speech. “I don’t have a speech yet, but you know me,” she said. “I’m going to say something controversial.” She added, “Why not? Girl, what do I have to lose? The fearlessness comes from in my heart knowing I’m always going to be okay.” She did not disappoint!!