Sabrina Carpenter Comes Onboard

Supporting Artists’ Healthcare

Sabrina Carpenter has joined Chappell Roan, Charli XCX, and Noah Kahan in making donations from a charitable healthcare support organization.

• Read more: on the cover – Chappell Roan: Pop supernova, who feels one of the girls “Drive”

This movement follows the recent NME feature in which Chappell Roan won her first Grammy and utilized her acceptance speech for Best New Artist to advocate for change within the music industry. During her comments, she called for a significant financial investment in the industry, urging that artists, especially emerging ones, should receive fair wages and healthcare.

Now, she has garnered support from Charli XCX, Noah Kahan, and Sabrina Carpenter.

Charitable Donations for Healthcare Access

The collaboration came to fruition when Roan worked with the nonprofit organization Backline, which recently branded their initiative as “we got you.” Reports indicate that public records of donations show Carpenter matched the contribution made by the Pink Pony Club singer, donating $25,000.

The donation aims to “support the availability of healthcare for artists” and “create a safer, more supported industry for artists to thrive.” Backline confirmed Carpenter’s commitment through a statement from Billboard.

Charli XCX and Noah Kahan also pledged $25,000 each to enhance healthcare access for emerging artists after Roan’s impactful Grammy speech.

“Hey, @Chappellroan – I’m going to match your $25,000 to support artists’ access to healthcare,” wrote the hitmaker of “Start Season,” announcing her commitment. “I’m inspired by you. Glad to help get the ball rolling. Money where my mouth is!”

Industry Reactions to Roan’s Call

Shortly after, the Brat singer shared a post stating: “I saw @noahkahanmusic would do the same, and I thought I should too. Your Grammy speech was inspiring and thoughtful, coming from a genuine place of care.”

However, not every figure in the music industry supported Roan’s call to better support artists. Jeffrey Rabhan, a veteran music director and former chairman of the Clive Davis Institute at NYU, criticized her words in a guest column for Hollywood Reporter, calling her speech “misguided” and “ignorant.”

Roan responded directly to Rabhan with a screenshot of his article, expressing her frustration that he believes she is no longer committed to addressing these issues.

“(Rabhan), do you want to compare my $25,000 donation to a struggle? Artists are facing real challenges,” she remarked, urging industry leaders to join the donation effort: “You said it yourself: ‘Put your money where your mouth is.’ Let’s come together and see if you can do the same.”

Rabhan has yet to respond to her comments, and his name does not appear among public donors.

In the meantime, Roan has received a plethora of responses regarding what has evolved into a crowdfunding initiative, expressing her hopes for industry changes rather than solely relying on donations from fans and artists.

“Sharing my personal experience during the Grammy stage was not meant to turn into a crowdfunding campaign but a call to action for industry leaders to support us in enacting real changes and safeguarding our investments,” she stated on Instagram Stories.

“Fans, you shouldn’t have to contribute anything. This is a chance for industry powers to step up for artists. There is so much more work to be done.”

Recently, Ariana Grande also contributed to the discussion, urging entertainment companies to include mental health services in artists’ contracts.

“It’s crucial that these record labels, studios, and large production companies become part of the contract when signing for life-changing projects. Artists often require access to therapy several times a week,” she emphasized.

“When these individuals take on roles that dramatically change their lives or receive critical moments, it shouldn’t be a matter of negotiation in the contract,” Grande continued. “Being an artist makes you vulnerable, wearing your heart on your sleeve.”

In other news, Roan also voiced her support for transgender rights during Grammy 2025, stating: “While it may be challenging now, transgender individuals have always existed, and they will continue to exist. Their joy should never be overshadowed, and that must be protected because I wouldn’t be here without the trans community.”