Chappell Roan to be Honored for Social Justice at Resonator Awards During Grammy Week

The non-profit organization We Are Moving the Needle will host its second Resonator Awards ceremony on January 27, 2026, as a key event during Grammy Week. Comedian and musician Fred Armisen is set to host the evening at Los Angeles's historic Chaplin Studios, a location with a rich entertainment legacy. Formerly known as Henson Studios, this venue has served as a production site for numerous iconic films and television shows, providing a fitting backdrop for an awards show celebrating industry innovation.

Breakout pop star Chappell Roan will be honored with the Harmonizer Award, joining a prestigious list of recipients that includes Chaka Khan, Haim, and St. Vincent. Roan, whose 2023 debut album 'The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess' launched her into mainstream success, will receive the award from Nancy Wilson of the legendary rock band Heart. In a notable addition, veteran manager Roger Davies will be presented with the Transformer Award for his lifelong advocacy. Davies, whose career highlights include guiding the careers of icons like Tina Turner, Cher, and P!nk, has long been a proponent for artists' rights and equitable treatment. As the awards committee noted, "His career demonstrates that effective management is a crucial pillar for sustaining artistic integrity within the business." This recognition underscores a growing industry trend of valuing behind-the-scenes roles that drive systemic change.

The ceremony will feature an extensive musical program with performances by Flo, Thundercat, Sia, and Victoria Canal, alongside a DJ set from U.S. Girls. A special tribute segment for Luminary Award honoree Chaka Khan will include appearances by Maggie Rogers, Paramore's Hayley Williams, and Lalah Hathaway, with more surprise guests expected. The musical presentations are supported by Live Nation Women, an initiative of the global entertainment giant Live Nation focused on increasing representation and opportunities for women in live events—a sector where gender parity remains a significant challenge.

Proceeds from a curated online auction, open to the public, will benefit the organization's scholarship fund for women in music. The auction features exclusive items like instruments signed by Boygenius, Haim, and Remi Wolf. Additional lots will be unveiled during a live auction at the event itself, with all funds directly supporting educational and career development programs. This fundraising approach highlights the practical, financial support that complements the awards' symbolic recognition, addressing barriers to entry in the industry.

Honorees span various disciplines, including songwriter Amy Allen, engineer Gena Johnson, and producer Bella Blasko. The presenter lineup is equally diverse, featuring artists such as Olivia Rodrigo, Laufey, Anderson .Paak, and Aaron Dessner. We Are Moving the Needle was founded in 2021 by Emily Lazar, a Grammy-winning mastering engineer renowned for her work with David Bowie and Foo Fighters. Reflecting on the awards' purpose, Lazar stated, "We are recognizing both exceptional creative work and a collective dedication to shaping an industry that aligns with its stated principles." The event thus serves a dual function: celebrating individual achievement while actively championing a more equitable and supportive infrastructure for all music professionals.