Chappell Roan Wins Big At The VMAs, Thanks Queer Community In Heartfelt Speech
Chappell Roan, the 26-year-old pop sensation, is officially MTV’s Best New Artist of 2024. Known for her hit Good Luck, Babe!, Roan (real name: Kayleigh Amstutz) accepted the award at New York’s UBS Arena on September 11, dazzling in a chainlink dress and matching headpiece.
What made her acceptance speech even more personal was that she read directly from her diary. After expressing gratitude to MTV, her team, family, and friends, Roan took a moment to highlight a community close to her heart.
“I dedicate this to queer and trans people who fuel pop,” she said, adding, “To the gays who dedicate my songs to someone they love — or hate.”
Roan’s heartfelt message didn’t stop there. She addressed her fans, saying, “And thank you to the people who are fans, who listen to me, who hear me when I share my joy and my fears. Thank you. 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.”
Since releasing her debut album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess in September 2023, Roan’s career has skyrocketed. Her festival performances this summer have electrified audiences, and her unique sound has made waves on the Billboard Hot 100. With hits like Pink Pony Club, My Kink Is Karma, Femininomenon, Casual, Red Wine Supernova, Hot to Go!, and the VMA-nominated Good Luck, Babe!, Roan is becoming a pop powerhouse.
A key part of Roan’s appeal is her flamboyant and playful live performances. She brings her fans into the fun, encouraging them to dress up for her shows, which often come with quirky themes like “slumber party kissin’,” “goth grunge and glitter,” and “so you wanna be a pop star.”
“I think people like to party, and I think my project feels like a party,” Roan said in an earlier interview with PEOPLE.
“I think that people just want to be happy and reflect, sing, dance and dress up, and feel free. The project gives people an opportunity to express themselves without judgment and freedom to discover themselves in the same way that I feel like the project allows me to discover myself,” she added.
In addition to winning Best New Artist, Roan was also nominated for Push Performance of the Year for Red Wine Supernova, Song of Summer for Good Luck, Babe! and Best Trending Video for Hot to Go! She even took the stage to perform at the star-studded event.
The 2024 MTV VMAs aired live on September 11, bringing together the biggest names in music, with Roan proving she’s here to stay.
