Chappell Roan wins Best New Artist at the Grammys

The rising pop star solidifies her place in the music industry with a major Grammy nomination, marking a significant milestone in her career.

Chappell Roan attends the 67th Grammy Awards on February 2, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Christopher Polk/Billboard/Getty Images

By Sarah Oktaviany and Adila Ghina

Chappell Roan, the breakout pop sensation of 2025, took home the Grammy Award for best new artist on Sunday night in Los Angeles. The rising star, known for her bold performances and distinctive drag-inspired aesthetic, captivated audiences with her unique style and infectious energy.

Roan’s rapid ascent to fame has been fueled by hits like Good Luck, Babe!, Hot to Go!, and Pink Pony Club, which have dominated streaming platforms and cemented her place as a defining voice in Gen Z pop music. The best new artist category was packed with rising stars this year, with Roan edging out strong contenders like Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Shaboozey, Teddy Swims, Benson Boone, Khruangbin, and Raye.

A long road to overnight success

While Roan’s mainstream breakthrough may seem sudden, her journey to this moment has been anything but overnight. Signed to Atlantic Records as a teenager, she moved to Los Angeles in 2018 to launch her music career. However, after her early releases failed to gain traction, she was dropped by the label, a setback that could have ended her career before it truly began.

Undeterred, Roan persevered. She eventually found success with her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, which climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard charts. The album, a deeply personal and vibrant exploration of self-identity and resilience, resonated with a growing fanbase and propelled her into the mainstream.

Her flamboyant style and theatrical performances have made her a standout in today’s pop landscape. Blending elements of camp, drag culture, and unapologetic self-expression, Roan has cultivated an artistic persona that challenges industry norms while embracing her queer identity.

Grammy night highlights and major nominations

Roan’s Grammy win capped off a night filled with excitement and recognition for the rising star. In addition to winning best new artist, she was nominated in five other major categories: album of the year (The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess), song of the year (Good Luck, Babe!), record of the year (Good Luck, Babe!), best pop vocal album (The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess), and best pop solo performance (Good Luck, Babe!).

Chappell Roan performs at the 67th Grammy Awards on February 2, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Christopher Polk/Billboard/Getty Images

Her Grammy night performance was one of the evening’s highlights, showcasing her signature high-energy stage presence and fearless artistry. Fans and critics alike praised her unapologetic approach to performance, which seamlessly blends pop spectacle with a strong sense of identity.

Embracing fame and the road ahead

Despite her meteoric rise, Roan has maintained a complicated relationship with fame. The intensity of her growing fanbase and the demands of stardom have shaped her public persona, adding depth to her music and performances. Her Grammy win solidifies her status as a force in the music industry, but it also raises questions about how she will navigate her career moving forward.

As she continues to carve out her space in pop music, Roan’s ability to balance authenticity with mainstream success will be key. Her Grammy triumph marks a new chapter in her journey, one that promises even more boundary-pushing music and performances in the years to come.