Chappell Roan certainly knows how to make a statement, and her 2025 Grammy appearance was no exception. From her dramatic red carpet look to her show-stopping performance and fiery acceptance speech, Roan proved she’s one of pop’s most unpredictable and bold stars.
The 26-year-old pop sensation, whose real name is Kayleigh Amstutz, arrived at the Grammy Awards in a stunning yellow gown adorned with ballerinas — a look as extravagant and unique as her musical style. But it wasn’t just her fashion that turned heads; Roan delivered a performance that will likely go down as one of the most memorable in Grammy history.
A Performance for the Ages
Fans had speculated whether Roan would perform her hit song “Good Luck, Babe,” which has been nominated for Song of the Year and Record of the Year. Instead, she chose to perform “Pink Pony Club”, the anthem of empowerment and love for the LGBTQ+ community that has become a defining track of her career.
The performance was nothing short of breathtaking. Roan rode a gigantic pink pony across the stage — a moment no one could have anticipated, yet perfectly in line with her larger-than-life persona. Surrounded by backup dancers dressed as circus clowns, Roan delivered an electrifying rendition of the track, with the entire audience singing along to the chorus. The performance also served as a tribute to Los Angeles, especially in light of the devastating wildfires that affected the city in 2024. Roan, a longtime advocate for the queer community, used the opportunity to express her love and solidarity with those in her fanbase, especially those in areas where being true to oneself is not always safe.
The singer had teased her Grammys performance on Instagram a few days before the ceremony. On January 29, Roan posted a car selfie with a caption that read, “I love the performance we’re preparing for you all,” followed by, “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.”
Her performance was a clear indication of her commitment to using her platform for advocacy, offering a message of love, resilience, and defiance.
A Powerful Speech
Roan’s star shone even brighter when she took the stage to accept the Grammy for Best New Artist. True to form, she delivered a speech that was as powerful as it was direct, calling out the music industry for its treatment of artists. Roan, who signed with a label at a young age and was later dropped without job security or support, shared her experience with the system’s failures, using her moment at the podium to demand more for emerging artists.
“When I got signed, I was a minor. When I got dropped, I had zero job experience,” Roan told the audience, her voice resolute. “I felt betrayed by the system. I felt dehumanized.”
Looking straight into the camera, she made a bold plea to record labels: “Labels, we got you. But do you got us?”
The audience, which included industry heavyweights, responded with a thunderous round of applause, acknowledging the urgency of her message. Roan’s willingness to speak out about the challenges young artists face — especially those without the support and safety nets that established stars have — struck a chord with both her peers and fans.
Roan had been candid in previous interviews about the potential for controversy in her speech. In a December 2024 interview with Zane Lowe for a Carpool Karaoke Christmas Special, Roan had joked that she didn’t have a speech prepared but would certainly speak her truth. “I don’t have a speech yet, but you know me. I’m going to say something controversial,” she had quipped. “Why not? Girl, what do I have to lose? The fearlessness comes from in my heart knowing I’m always going to be okay.” Her Grammys speech certainly proved her point.
Chappell Roan: A Force for Change
Roan’s Grammy performance and speech were emblematic of her larger role in the music industry. As an openly queer artist, she has consistently used her platform to challenge the status quo, raise awareness, and advocate for those whose voices often go unheard. Her music — unapologetically loud, fiercely independent, and joyously queer — has earned her a devoted following, and her message of empowerment resonates deeply with fans.
Roan’s Grammy night was a moment of triumph, not just for her but for the entire LGBTQ+ community. It’s rare for an artist to simultaneously command the stage, challenge the industry, and represent an entire group of people, but Chappell Roan did it effortlessly. From her whimsical, larger-than-life performance to her no-holds-barred speech, she once again proved she’s more than just a pop star — she’s a trailblazer with a powerful voice that demands to be heard.
As the 2025 Grammys unfold, Chappell Roan’s unforgettable entrance, performance, and speech will be remembered as one of the highlights of the evening. It’s clear that Roan isn’t just here to win awards — she’s here to reshape the music industry, one fierce moment at a time.
