Who is Chappell Roan? The New(ish) Pop Star Taking Over the Internet

Are you bored with the dominance of Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, and Beyoncé? There might be a new pop star ready to join them: Chappell Roan, the Lady Gaga of the 2020s.

Google might describe Chappell Roan as "Your favourite artist’s favourite artist." This reflects how the 26-year-old singer has quickly moved from obscurity to the top of the pop music scene.

So who is Chappell Roan, and why would you be interested?

Born in Missouri, Kayleigh Amstutz grew up in a trailer park as a religious Christian. She started her music career by uploading videos on YouTube and auditioned unsuccessfully for America’s Got Talent. At 17, she signed with Atlantic Records and adopted the stage name Chappell Roan, inspired by her grandfather and his favourite song.

Despite signing with a major record label, it took nearly a decade for Roan to get to fame. Her early music didn’t gain much attention. Sensibly melancholic, Chappell Roan’s first attempt can be sonically enjoyable but it made little impact.

Change is Coming

Roan’s move to Los Angeles was a significant change. Embracing her queer identity and distancing herself from her religious upbringing, she met producer Dan Nigro. Together, they created a new sound, starting with the single "Pink Pony Club." Although her early releases during the pandemic couldn't be what her label wanted, this led to Nigro signing her to his label, Amusement.

The Journey of Chappell Roan

In 2023, Roan released her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess. Known for her glamorous, drag-inspired style, she might be gaining attention due to her elaborate costumes and dramatic makeup. Her album entered the Billboard top 10, she was invited to the White House for a Pride celebration (she declined) and she performed at Coachella.

What was her Ticket to Fame?

Fans love that Roan is an openly proud lesbian who celebrates queer culture in both her music and her visuals. Her ability to connect with fans online may also contribute to her growing popularity. After a long journey, Chappell Roan emerged as a unique and fully-formed pop star.

*Adapted from https://www.euronews.com/culture/2024/07/17/who-is-chappell-roan-the-newish-pop-star-taking-over-the-internet