Charity 'blown away' by support after Chappell Roan donation

A charity that focuses on supporting artists' mental health has expressed its gratitude for the overwhelming support it has received following Chappell Roan's powerful speech at the Grammy Awards. Chappell, who recently won the award for Best New Artist, made a significant impact when she called for better rights for musicians during her acceptance speech. In a heartfelt moment, she donated $25,000 to Backline, a US-based charity dedicated to helping artists in need. Charli XCX, a well-known pop star, also stepped up to match Chappell's generous donation, further highlighting the importance of this cause. Chappell was dressed in a stunning pale sea-green dress, complemented by her curly red hair and bold makeup, while Charli sported her signature all-black look, complete with sunglasses. Hilary Gleason, the director of Backline, shared with BBC Newsbeat that the charity has experienced a surge of support since Chappell's speech, especially after a music executive criticized her comments as 'misinformed. ' Hilary expressed her appreciation for Chappell's willingness to use her platform to advocate for change in the music industry. She noted that Monday marked Backline's most successful fundraising day to date, with contributions from various artists, including Noah Kahan, who also matched Chappell's donation. Hilary emphasized that Chappell's actions go beyond just delivering a speech; they represent a movement that requires collective effort from everyone in the industry to create lasting change. Chappell reflected on her own experiences during her speech, sharing how she faced challenges after being dropped by her label during the pandemic. She struggled to find work and could not afford health insurance, a situation that many artists can relate to. Hilary pointed out that success in the music industry can look different for everyone, and the process of entering contracts can often be confusing and isolating for new artists. Touring, while exciting, can also take a toll on musicians, as it often involves long periods away from home, which can strain personal relationships. Jeff Draco, an independent singer, expressed his connection to the issues Chappell raised, stating that being an independent artist can be incredibly challenging without the backing of a major label. He shared his own struggles with mental health when he first started performing six years ago, feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of pursuing his passion. Backline provides support to individuals across the music industry, from artists to tour bus drivers, offering financial aid and wellness services. However, both Jeff and Hilary believe that more radical changes are necessary to improve the industry for everyone involved. Chappell's acceptance speech and donation have sparked important discussions about the need for better support systems for artists, from the beginning of their careers until retirement. In the UK, a charity called Help Musicians found that many artists face similar challenges, with a significant percentage reporting difficulties in sustaining their careers due to financial instability. Chappell's call for action has resonated with many, and she has challenged industry leaders to step up and help create real change.