At just 26, Chappell Roan has become one of pop music’s brightest stars.
With her fiery red hair, unapologetically queer persona, and anthemic tracks, she’s stormed the charts and captured hearts worldwide.
Her debut album, initially released with little fanfare in 2023, has topped the UK charts twice, and she’s up for six Grammy awards, including Best New Artist.
BBC Radio 1 has even crowned her their Sound of 2025.
This success is especially sweet for Roan, who faced rejection from her former record label, which refused to release many of the songs that eventually catapulted her to fame.
“They told me, ‘This isn’t going to work. We don’t get it,'” she shared with Radio 1’s Jack Saunders.
Her rise isn’t just a vindication—it’s a revolution. Roan is the first female pop star to achieve mainstream success as an openly queer artist, rather than revealing her sexuality post-fame.
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From Small-Town Roots to Stardom
Born Kayleigh Rose Amstutz in Willard, Missouri, Roan grew up in the conservative Bible Belt.
The eldest of four children, she aspired to act but initially excelled in athletics, competing in cross-country at a state level.
However, a singing competition at 13 changed her trajectory, leading her to write songs like one about a forbidden crush on a Mormon boy.
Her stage name, Chappell Roan, pays tribute to her late grandfather, Dennis K. Chappell, and his favorite Western ballad, The Strawberry Roan.
“He believed in me when no one else did,” she recalled. “He always told me, ‘You don’t need a Plan B. Just do it.’”
At 17, Roan signed with Atlantic Records after her gothic ballad Die Young caught their attention.
However, her 2017 EP School Nights failed to make waves.
Roan’s musical breakthrough came when gay friends introduced her to drag culture in West Hollywood.
The energy and confidence she witnessed inspired her to write Pink Pony Club, a track her label initially refused to release.
From Rejection to Reinvention
Dropped by her label during pandemic cost-cutting measures, Roan moved back home and took a job at a doughnut shop. “That year was humbling,” she said, noting it gave her a renewed perspective.
After saving money and experiencing heartbreak, Roan returned to Los Angeles and collaborated with her Pink Pony Club co-writer Daniel Nigro, who had since found success with Olivia Rodrigo.
Nigro eventually signed Roan to his label and ensured her debut album’s release.
Though the album’s initial reception was lukewarm, Roan’s electrifying live performances—complete with campy choreography and her powerhouse vocals—captivated audiences.
Her viral Coachella performance in 2024, featuring a sassy dedication to an ex, marked a turning point.
By summer, her shows were upgraded, and festival crowds swelled to record-breaking sizes.
The Queen of Queer Pop
Roan’s music unapologetically celebrates her identity, with tracks like Good Luck Babe offering sharp storytelling and irresistible hooks.
The song became her breakout hit, despite being initially written as a personal lament about unrequited love.
“A drag queen doesn’t get on stage to calm people down,” Roan explained. “They make you blush, and that’s the same energy I bring to my shows.”
Staying True Amid Fame
While she’s embraced the spotlight, Roan remains grounded.
Her decision to cut short her 2024 tour to prioritize her health reflects her philosophy, inspired by her grandfather: “There are always options.”
Though she faces challenges, including dealing with abusive fans and media criticism, Roan is unapologetic about standing up for herself.
“I’ve always responded to disrespect this way, but now there are cameras on me,” she said.
What’s Next?
As Roan previews new tracks like The Subway and The Giver, she hints that her next album will lean into joy and celebration.
“It feels so good to party,” she said, marking a shift from her darker, earlier work.
Looking ahead, Roan remains philosophical about fame. “Success and failure are out of my control,” she reflected.
“But if I can look back and say I didn’t crumble under pressure and stayed true to my heart, then I’ve succeeded.”
For now, Chappell Roan is savoring her moment in the spotlight—and proving that persistence, authenticity, and a little glitter can go a long way.
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