Chappell Roan to Receive Harmonizer Award for Social Justice Work at 2026 Resonator Awards

Chappell Roan, the openly queer pop sensation whose music resonates with themes of identity and empowerment, is set to receive the Harmonizer Award at the 2026 Resonator Awards. The award, which honors a creator who uses music to leverage social change, will be presented to her by Nancy Wilson of Heart.

The second annual Resonator Awards, organized by the nonprofit We Are Moving the Needle, take place January 27, 2026, at Chaplin Studios in Los Angeles during Grammy Week. Comedian and musician Fred Armisen will host the evening at the historic venue, formerly known as Henson Studios. We Are Moving the Needle, founded in 2021 by Grammy-winning mastering engineer Emily Lazar, aims to advance women and gender-diverse professionals in music production and engineering.

Roan's recognition underscores her impact as a transgender-affirming voice in pop music, where she has advocated for LGBTQ+ visibility amid rising mainstream success from her 2023 album *The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess*. The Harmonizer Award aligns with the organization's mission to spotlight those using artistry for broader societal progress, particularly in an industry historically dominated by cisgender men.

Joining Roan are other honorees including Chaka Khan, Haim, St. Vincent, Amy Allen, and more, with presenters such as Olivia Rodrigo, Laufey, and Anderson. aak. Recent additions to the lineup include Paramore's Hayley Williams and My Morning Jacket's Jim James. The event will feature performances by Flo, Thundercat, Sia, Victoria Canal, and a DJ set from U. . Girls, plus a tribute to Chaka Khan with Maggie Rogers, Hayley Williams, and Lalah Hathaway. These musical segments are supported by Live Nation Women, which promotes opportunities for women in live events.

Veteran manager Roger Davies will receive the Transformer Award for his advocacy in artists'rights, having managed icons like Tina Turner, Cher, and P! k. Additional honorees include songwriter Amy Allen, engineer Gena Johnson, and producer Bella Blasko. Lazar emphasized the awards'dual role: "We are recognizing both exceptional creative work and a collective dedication to shaping an industry that aligns with its stated principles.

Proceeds from an online auction of signed instruments by artists like Boygenius, Haim, and Remi Wolf will fund scholarships for women in music, addressing entry barriers for underrepresented groups including LGBTQ+ professionals. This initiative reflects broader efforts to foster inclusivity, with Roan's honor signaling growing recognition of queer artists'roles in cultural and social shifts. The Resonator Awards thus serve as a platform for celebrating achievements while advancing equity for transgender people and other marginalized identities in music.