Babyface Snubbed at Grammy Awards As Interview Gets Cut Short for Chappell Roan
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Babyface Snub at Grammy Awards As Interview Gets Cut Short for Chappell Roan
The 2025 Grammy Awards were filled with memorable performances, emotional speeches, and history-making wins. However, one unexpected moment quickly went viral when R&B legend Babyface found himself pushed aside during an interview in favor of rising pop star Chappell Roan.
The incident, which was captured on video, has since sparked conversations about respect for veteran artists in the industry.
While speaking with the Associated Press on the red carpet, Babyface was mid-sentence when reporters abruptly shifted their attention to Chappell Roan, who had just arrived behind him.
The moment played out awkwardly as a journalist repeatedly called out Roan’s name, causing Babyface to pause.
Sensing the shift in focus, he graciously turned to the reporters and said,
“You guys want to… go do that,” before stepping aside to allow Roan to take center stage.
The clip quickly circulated on social media, with fans and industry professionals alike expressing frustration over the treatment of the legendary singer-songwriter.
Many felt that Babyface, whose contributions to R&B and pop music span decades, deserved more respect.
The incident also reignited discussions about the music industry’s tendency to prioritize newer artists at the expense of those who paved the way.
Source: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / Getty
Adding to the controversy, the Associated Press reporter involved in the incident, Krysta Fauria, later issued a public apology, acknowledging that the red carpet environment can be chaotic but expressing regret over interrupting Babyface.
While her statement was meant to smooth things over, fans remained vocal about the deeper issue at play—how Black artists, particularly those who have significantly shaped the music industry, are sometimes sidelined in favor of the latest industry darlings.
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Babyface has12 Grammy wins out of a staggering 54 nominations and is widely respected as a trailblazer in R&B and pop music.
His ability to remain relevant over decades speaks to his lasting influence.
The moment at the Grammys served as a stark reminder that while newer artists deserve their shine, it should not come at the expense of dismissing those who paved the way.
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Social media was flooded with support for Babyface, with many pointing out that this wasn’t just a one-time oversight but part of a larger pattern of industry bias.
Some noted how older Black artists, despite their accolades and contributions, are often treated as afterthoughts at mainstream award shows.
Others emphasized the need for music media to do better in recognizing and celebrating all generations of talent equally.
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