Honestly, the best new artist VMA 2024 category felt like a pressure cooker this year. Usually, there’s one clear frontrunner and a bunch of "happy to be here" nominees. But the 2024 lineup was stacked. You had Benson Boone literally backflipping across the charts, Tyla bringing Water-level waves from South Africa, and Shaboozey proving that country-pop is the new global standard.
Then there was Chappell Roan.
She didn't just win; she sort of took over the building. If you watched the show on September 11, 2024, at the UBS Arena, you saw someone who wasn't just accepting a trophy. She was accepting a crown. It was the "Femininomenon" coming to life in real-time, and it was probably the most emotional moment of the night.
The Nominees Who Made It a Tough Call
Before we get into the "Diary Speech" heard 'round the world, let's talk about who Chappell was actually up against. This wasn't a walk in the park. The pool was deep.
- Benson Boone: The guy has pipes that could shatter glass. His hit "Beautiful Things" was everywhere.
- Gracie Abrams: The "quiet girl" pop icon who’s been opening for Taylor Swift and building a massive, loyal fanbase.
- Teddy Swims: That soulful voice behind "Lose Control" that sounds like it’s been aged in a whiskey barrel.
- Shaboozey: The man who made everyone "Tipsy" again with a country twist.
- Tyla: Bringing the Amapiano sound to the mainstream and winning nearly every "New Artist" award she was eligible for in 2024.
It’s kinda wild to think about because any of these artists could have won in a "normal" year. But 2024 wasn't normal. It belonged to the Midwest Princess.
What Really Happened During the Best New Artist VMA 2024 Win
When they called Chappell Roan’s name, the room shifted. She walked up to the stage looking like a medieval Joan of Arc mixed with a high-fashion drag queen. She wore a chainmail dress and a headpiece that looked like it belonged in a museum.
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She didn't wing it. She actually pulled out a physical diary. Like, a real journal.
"I'm going to read the speech I wrote in my journal," she said, her voice shaking just a bit. This wasn't some corporate "thank you to the label" speech (though she did thank Island Records). It was a manifesto. She dedicated the award to drag artists who inspired her and "the queer and trans people who make my music pop."
The line that really stuck? "For all the queer kids in the Midwest watching right now, I see you. I relate to you all, because I am you."
The Performance That Sealed the Deal
It’s one thing to win an award; it’s another to prove why you deserved it five minutes later. Chappell’s performance of "Good Luck, Babe!" was theatrical in a way the VMAs haven't seen in years. She had a full set of chainmail-clad dancers, a castle backdrop, and she was literally shooting a flaming crossbow.
It felt like the mid-2000s VMAs—the era of Gaga and Britney—where the performance was a capital-E Event.
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The "Overnight Success" That Took Ten Years
People keep calling her a "new" artist, but Chappell was quick to shut that down on the red carpet. She's been doing this for a decade. She was signed to Atlantic Records years ago, dropped, moved back home, worked at a donut shop, and built her career back up independently with Dan Nigro.
That’s why the best new artist VMA 2024 win felt so heavy. It wasn't just about one viral TikTok song. It was about a 614% jump in tour demand and seven different songs hitting the Billboard Hot 100 all at once.
How the Voting Actually Worked
The VMAs are fan-voted, which is why the "Best New Artist" category is usually a bloodbath for stans.
- General Voting: This started in August and went until about a week before the show.
- The Final Three: During the live broadcast, the list was narrowed down.
- The "Power Hour": Fans could vote 20 times per day during specific windows to boost their favorites.
Chappell's fans (the "Pink Pony Club") are notoriously organized. They aren't just listeners; they're a community. They showed up on the MTV website and via WhatsApp to make sure she took home the "Moon Person."
Why This Win Still Matters for Music
It marks a shift. For a long time, pop felt a bit... safe? Maybe a little too polished? Chappell Roan is the opposite of safe. She’s messy, she’s loud, she wears crazy makeup, and she talks about her bipolar disorder and her need for boundaries with fans.
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Her winning "Best New Artist" at the 2024 VMAs basically gave permission for the next wave of pop stars to be weird again. It wasn't just a win for her; it was a win for camp, for drag culture, and for artists who don't want to be "accessible" 24/7.
Moving Forward After the Win
If you're following the trajectory of the 2024 class, there are a few things you should keep an eye on to see how this win actually impacts the industry:
- Watch the Grammy Race: Winning the VMA Best New Artist is often a precursor to a Grammy nomination in the same category. Keep an eye on how the Recording Academy views these nominees.
- Track Festival Headlining Slots: Notice how Chappell and Benson Boone moved from the bottom of the poster to the very top in less than twelve months.
- Listen for the "Roan Effect": Expect to hear more "theatrical pop" and high-concept visuals from other new artists in the next year.
The 2024 VMAs weren't just a ceremony. They were a coronation. If you missed the live broadcast, go back and watch the speech. It’s a masterclass in staying true to your roots while standing on the biggest stage in the world.
To really understand the impact of this win, look at how the 2024 nominees are dominating the charts right now—they aren't just "new artists" anymore; they're the new blueprint.
Next Steps for Music Fans
- Listen to the Full Album: If you've only heard "Good Luck, Babe!", go back to The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess. The VMA win was for the whole body of work, not just the single.
- Support the Nominees: Check out Tyla’s self-titled album or Benson Boone’s Fireworks & Rollerblades to see the sheer level of competition Chappell was up against.
- Monitor 2025 Tour Dates: Most of these "New Artists" are moving to stadium-sized venues now. If you want tickets, you'll need to jump on the presales early.