How Did Chapel Roan get Famous

Singer-songwriter Chappell Roan has rapidly risen to pop fame in the last year, gaining traction on social media with her glamorous performances and earning acclaim from critics for her lively and upbeat music.

Since her debut album “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” was released in September 2023, Roan has captivated audiences with theatrical performances at major music festivals like Coachella and Gov Ball. Her popularity soared after her song “Good Luck Babe” went viral and entered the Billboard Hot 100.

It’s no surprise that Chappell Roan’s fan base has expanded significantly since her inaugural headlining concert in May 2022. The 26-year-old pop sensation now sells out shows nationwide and has even earned admiration from music icon Elton John. However, Roan’s journey to stardom began long before she gained traction on TikTok. Her music career started nearly a decade ago—and almost came to an abrupt end before she achieved breakthrough success.

Originally named Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, Roan began posting cover songs on YouTube as a teenager in Willard, Missouri. At 16, she penned her first original song, “Die Young,” and secured a record deal with Atlantic Records by age 17. Roan adopted her stage name in tribute to her late grandfather, Dennis Chappell, whose favorite tune was Marty Robbins’ “The Strawberry Roan.”

Roan’s first EP, “School Nights,” debuted in 2017 during a period she describes as “witchy, dark, serious.” Shortly after its release, she relocated to Los Angeles, where she still resides. This move proved transformative for Roan, both personally and professionally, as a queer woman finding her identity and independence in a city like L.A. “I feel empowered to be my true self here,” Roan shared with Rolling Stone in October 2022. “That changed everything.”

Her affinity for Los Angeles and the creative freedom it offered inspired her 2020 track “Pink Pony Club,” influenced by her experiences at The Abbey, a renowned gay bar in West Hollywood. Although “Pink Pony Club” gained popularity the following summer, it initially did not yield significant financial success, leading to Roan parting ways with her label.

After getting dropped from her label, Roan continued as an independent artist

It was a significant setback for Roan. During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, unable to secure employment in Los Angeles, she temporarily moved back in with her parents. However, driven by determination, Roan returned with a clear goal. She recently revealed to Paper Magazine that she gave herself a year to regroup and resume her music career as an independent artist. This marked the beginning of Roan’s rebranding effort.

“I was dropped, I was working at a donut shop. No money. That’s what I was doing,” she recounted. Roan started writing songs again with songwriter and producer Daniel Nigro, and by May 2022, she had independently released two new tracks, “Naked in Manhattan” and “My Kink is Karma,” within a few months. These new songs and their music videos embraced her queer identity and featured a drag-inspired aesthetic. They were self-funded and produced entirely by her circle of friends.

“It was an incredible experience, but one I wouldn’t repeat,” she reflected. Roan built a substantial following and caught the attention of fellow artists through promotion on TikTok and Instagram. By the year’s end, she released two more tracks, “Casual” and “Femininomenon,” and had the opportunity to open for singers Olivia Rodrigo and Fletcher.

In early 2023, Roan launched her headline Naked in North America tour, which created a buzz on social media. Departing from conventional opening acts, the pop artist enlisted local drag queens to energize the audience. Attendees were encouraged to dress according to nightly themes inspired by Roan’s songs, drag persona, and associated style. This flamboyant tradition has continued into her Midwest Princess tour.

“I think people enjoy celebrating, and I feel like my project embodies that celebration,” Roan expressed to People in September 2023. “I believe people simply want to feel happy, to reflect, to sing, dance, dress up, and feel liberated. This project offers them a chance to express themselves without judgment, allowing them to explore themselves just as I explore myself through my work.”

Expanding on this theme of carefree enjoyment, Roan also choreographed a viral TikTok dance for her song “Hot To Go!” released in August 2023. She encouraged fans to learn the dance and join her in performing it at her concerts. The hashtag #hottogo has garnered over 16,000 posts on TikTok, with Roan’s initial dance tutorial video receiving more than 243,000 views.

Her popularity soared following prominent appearances on late-night TV and at Coachella. Roan’s journey as an independent artist concluded when she signed with Nigro’s Amusement Records, a subsidiary of Island Records, in May 2023. She explained to Grammy.com in April 2024 that she opted to join a label because the scope of producing her debut album “became too expansive to manage independently.”

Since its September release, “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” has garnered acclaim from critics, fans, and newcomers alike for its synth-pop hooks, dynamic vocals, and fearless exploration of queer themes. Subsequently, her artistic presence has flourished, propelling Roan to the top 10 of Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart within a month.

In February 2024, Roan marked her debut on late-night television by performing “Red Wine Supernova” in a wedding dress on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. The following month, she made a memorable appearance on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series, captivating audiences with a flamboyant set featuring elaborate wigs and drag makeup.

However, Roan’s social media presence truly exploded after her inaugural performance at Coachella in April 2024. Videos of her electrifying set spread widely online, leading to a surge in her music being used in user-generated content. Her festival attire included striking outfits such as a giant pink butterfly costume and an ’80s-inspired ensemble complete with crimped hair, leopard-print tights, and a form-fitting tank top emblazoned with the phrase “Eat Me.”

Roan’s momentum continues unabated. The pop singer recently captivated audiences at New York City’s Gov Ball, where she garnered attention not only for her music but also for her powerful message. Clad in green body paint and a Statue of Liberty costume, Roan debuted a new song titled “Subway” and disclosed her decision to decline an invitation to perform at the White House’s Pride celebration. “We want liberty, justice, and freedom for all,” Roan emphasized. “When you achieve that, then I’ll participate.”

Despite returning to a major record label, Roan remains steadfast in maintaining creative control and conducting her career on her own terms, ensuring she can fully express herself.