Chappell Roan has won the career-defining VMA for Best New Artist. She joins legendary past recipients, which include Nirvana, Eminem, Olivia Rodrigo, and Billie Eilish.
“Can you believe it? We’re at the VMAs. I’m gonna read from here, I wrote a speech for my diary,” Roan said at the start of her speech. She thanked MTV, her friends and family, her team, and her label Island Records. The dedications that followed were met with cheers from throughout Long Island’s UBS Arena and likely more than a few at home.
“I dedicate this to all the drag artists who inspire me, and I dedicate this to queer and trans people who fuel pop,” Roan said with a wide smile. “To the gays who dedicate my songs to someone they love or hate. And thank you to the people who are fans, who listen to me, who hear me when I share my joy and fears. Thank you for listening.”
Concluding, she added: “And for all the queer kids in the Midwest watching right now, I see you. I understand you, because I’m one of you. And don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t be exactly who you want to be, bitch.”
Roan made her way to the stage in a chain link dress, continuing with the medieval theme she started when she brought a sword to the red carpet and set fire to a castle during her performance of “Good Luck, Babe!” earlier in the night.
This year has been huge for Roan, and winning the Best New Artist award is just her latest achievement. Since the release of “Good Luck, Babe!,” Roan has “experienced the kind of rise that makes words like ‘meteoric’ feel quaint,” as Brittany Spanos put it in her recent Rolling Stone cover story featuring the pop star. Roan was also nominated for Song of the Summer and for Best Trending Video for her “HOT TO GO!” video, which showcases the popular dance synonymous with the song. The singer joins 28 other first-time VMA nominees, including artists she went up against in the Best New Artists category. This is her first MTV Video Music Award.
This year, the Best New Artist category was filled with star-studded contenders, including Benson Boone, Shaboozey, Teddy Swims, and finalists Gracie Abrams and Tyla. Last year, Ice Spice took home the VMA for Best New Artist.
