Chappell Roan certainly did not take a “casual” approach to a music industry executive’s criticisms regarding her Grammys speech.
Roan took to her Instagram Stories to address a Hollywood Reporter guest essay that gained traction for critiquing her remarks on Grammy night. In her speech, Roan had fiercely criticized major labels for their treatment of emerging artists, advocating for fair wages and access to healthcare.
In the original essay, Jeff Rabhan accused Roan of exhibiting a “naïve” perspective and suggested that she was unfairly targeting the very system that helped her succeed. He posed the rhetorical question: “If labels are tasked with ensuring artists’ financial and health security, where do accountability and personal responsibility commence? Is Chris Blackwell also expected to leave a mint on her pillow and tuck her in at night? Labels are under no moral obligation to allocate funds beyond advances and royalties.”
On Friday, Roan responded emphatically on social media: “Want to match me $25K to support struggling artists? I’ll keep everyone updated and share donation receipts. Meanwhile, here are some artists who truly deserve recognition and a larger platform.” She highlighted Hemlock Springs, Sarah Kinsley, Devon Again, and Baby Storme, while also tagging Rabhan for her followers to weigh in.
THR included Roan among Hollywood’s Biggest Winners of 2024 and published a counterpoint essay by songwriter Kay Hanley, who highlighted the financial struggles faced by young artists, concluding that Roan had rightfully claimed her moment on stage and urged major labels to rethink their practices.
Vocabulary List:
- Criticism /ˈkrɪtɪˌsɪzəm/ (noun): The expression of disapproval of someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes.
- Emerging /ɪˈmɜrdʒɪŋ/ (adjective): Becoming apparent or prominent.
- Accountability /əˌkaʊntəˈbɪləti/ (noun): The fact or condition of being responsible; liability to be called to account.
- Perspective /pərˈspɛktɪv/ (noun): A particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.
- Recognition /ˌrɛkəgˈnɪʃən/ (noun): The recognition of something as valid or important.
- Critique /krɪˈtiːk/ (noun): A detailed analysis and assessment of something especially a literary philosophical or political theory.
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