Chappell Roan’s full Best New Artist speech

Don’t need your luck, baby.
Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images for MTV

Chappell Roan was gearing up for her win for Best New Artist at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards. She pulled a journal out of her chainmail to thank girls and gays (and Island Records) for her win. “I dedicate this to all the drag artists that inspire me, and I dedicate this to all the queer and trans people that inspire pop,” she said, beaming. She also gave love to Midwestern queers: “I see you. I understand you because I’m one of you.”

It was an eventful VMAs for Roan after an eventful (and sometimes scary) year. She had an altercation with a photographer on the red carpet, threw a sword during her performance of “Good Luck, Babe!” and then won Best New Artist. And each of those events featured a different Joan of Arc look. Very Kate Bush’s “Babooshka,” very funny. Read her full acceptance speech below.

I dedicate this to all the drag artists who inspire me, and I dedicate this to the queers and trans people who fuel pop music. To the gay people who dedicate my songs to someone they love or hate. And thank you to the people who are fans, who listen to me, who listen to me share my joy and my fears. Thank you for listening.

And to 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 let anyone tell you you can’t be exactly who you want to be, bitch.