How Did Chappell Roan Rise to Fame?
The journey to pop stardom for singer-songwriter Chappell Roan, known for her hit “Good Luck Babe,” has been a long time in the making. While she has only recently skyrocketed to fame, her career stretches back nearly a decade.
Chappell Roan has gained attention for her vibrant performances, quirky style, and catchy, camp-inspired pop songs. The September 2023 release of her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, marked a turning point. With theatrical performances at major music festivals like Coachella and Gov Ball, along with the viral success of her song “Good Luck, Babe!” breaking into the Billboard Hot 100, Roan quickly became a household name. In early 2024, she was awarded Best New Artist at the MTV Video Music Awards, dedicating her win to the LGBTQ+ community.
Her growing popularity wasn’t a fluke—her fanbase has been steadily expanding since she first headlined a concert in May 2022. The 26-year-old now performs to sold-out crowds across the country and has even caught the attention of iconic musicians like Elton John. However, Roan’s career didn’t just take off because of TikTok or viral videos; it began nearly a decade ago when she secured a record deal at just 17 years old.
Chappell Roan’s Early Career: A Record Deal at 17
Born Kayleigh Rose Amstutz in Willard, Missouri, Chappell Roan started her musical journey by posting cover songs on YouTube. Her talent didn’t go unnoticed, and by the age of 16, she had written an original song titled “Die Young.” This track helped her land a record deal with Atlantic Records when she was just 17. Roan adopted her stage name to honor her late grandfather, Dennis Chappell, whose favorite song was “The Strawberry Roan” by Marty Robbins.
In 2017, Roan released her first EP, School Nights, which showcased her darker, more introspective side. Describing this period as her “witchy, dark, serious” phase, Roan soon relocated to Los Angeles. The move marked a turning point for her both personally and professionally. Coming of age as a queer woman in the vibrant, liberating atmosphere of L.A. opened new doors for her artistry. As Roan shared in a 2022 interview with Rolling Stone, “I feel allowed to be who I want to be here. That changed everything.”
The Impact of Los Angeles on Chappell Roan’s Music
Los Angeles not only provided Roan with a fresh start, but it also inspired her breakout hit, “Pink Pony Club.” The song was influenced by her experiences at The Abbey, a famous gay bar in West Hollywood, and celebrates her queer identity. While “Pink Pony Club” eventually became a fan favorite, it initially struggled to generate significant revenue, and Roan was soon dropped by Atlantic Records.
Chappell Roan’s Independent Journey After Being Dropped
Being dropped from her label was a major setback, but it didn’t end Roan’s career. During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, she temporarily moved back in with her parents. Determined to rebuild her career, she set a goal: within a year, she would reinvent herself and start making music as an independent artist.
Roan worked at a donut shop while writing new music, collaborating with songwriter and producer Daniel Nigro. By May 2022, she had released two new tracks, “Naked in Manhattan” and “My Kink is Karma.” These songs and their music videos reflected a reimagined Chappell Roan—one who was embracing her queer identity more openly and incorporating drag elements into her style. The music videos were entirely self-produced, funded with the help of her friends.
Although Roan described this DIY approach as “fun and amazing,” she has since admitted that the process was exhausting. Nevertheless, it paid off. Roan promoted her new releases on TikTok and Instagram, steadily growing her following. She dropped two more tracks before the year was over—“Casual” and “Femininomenon”—and even got the opportunity to open for artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Fletcher.
The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess: Chappell Roan’s Breakthrough Album
Roan’s perseverance culminated in the release of her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, in September 2023. The album has been lauded for its infectious synth-pop melodies, strong vocals, and unapologetic celebration of queer themes. Shortly after its release, Roan cracked the top 10 of Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart, solidifying her status as a rising star in the music industry.
Chappell Roan’s Big Moments in 2024: MTV Awards, Late-Night Debut, and More
In 2024, Roan’s fame only grew. She made her late-night television debut in February, performing her song “Red Wine Supernova” in a dramatic wedding dress on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Just a month later, she made headlines again with her campy performance for NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series, where she sported a massive wig and drag makeup.
April 2024 saw Roan’s viral rise on social media after her first performance at Coachella. Videos of her set, where she dazzled audiences in a giant pink butterfly costume and an ’80s-inspired outfit, quickly spread across the internet. Fans embraced her vibrant aesthetic and started using her music in their own TikTok videos, amplifying her presence even further.
Chappell Roan’s Gov Ball Performance and Turning Down the White House
Roan’s momentum continued as she performed at New York City’s Gov Ball in June 2024. Her bold performance, which included a Statue of Liberty-inspired costume and green body paint, made waves. Roan also used the opportunity to preview her new song, “Subway,” and took a stand by revealing that she had declined an invitation to perform at the White House’s Pride celebration. “We want liberty, justice, and freedom for all,” Roan stated during her set. “When you do that, that’s when I’ll come.”
What’s Next for Chappell Roan?
As her star continues to rise, there’s no doubt that Chappell Roan will continue to captivate audiences with her theatrical performances and genre-bending music. With a dedicated fanbase and the support of high-profile admirers, her future in the pop world seems brighter than ever. Whether through her vibrant social media presence or unforgettable live shows, Roan’s journey from small-town Missouri to the pop spotlight is a testament to perseverance and self-expression.