
By Rebecca Ceccatelli. Cover image by Cristina Gonzalez Clavijo.
Say Hi to Chappell Roan. By the summer of 2024, it became clear that someone new was boldly emerging in the pop scene, determined to make a lasting impression. “Hello, I’m Chappell Roan and I’m your favourite artist’s favourite artist. I’m your dream girl’s dream girl“, she boldly declared during her Coachella debut, referencing Sasha Colby, hoping that one day her favourite drag queen would notice her. Recently nominated for six Grammy Awards, with the ceremony set for February 2, 2025, including Album of the Year and Song of the Year, Chappell is quickly becoming an unstoppable force in pop music. She’s poised to bring the pop girlie icon back to the forefront while also supporting the indie movement from behind the scenes. Are you sure you know who this new Grammy nominee and popstar in the making really is? Why is she capturing everyone’s attention?
Chappell Roan, drag persona of Kayleigh Rose Amstutz
Kayleigh Rome Amstutz, known as Chappell Roan, embodies the essence of a Midwestern princess. She was raised in the heart of Missouri, in the small conservative town of Willard. Born in 1998, Kayleigh could never have imagined that her life, which involved going to church three times a week and spending summers at Christian youth camps, would take such a dramatic turn from the expectations of her upbringing. As the pretty girl with an incredible voice, perfectly suited for Christmas carols, she struggled with her identity. Although she was raised to believe that being gay was a sin, her early attempts at music on YouTube soon caught the attention of some of America’s most influential labels. This exposure eventually led her to the alternative, open-minded, and eccentric atmosphere of Los Angeles.
It was in California, a narrative familiar to many, that she transformed into Chappell Roan, finally freeing herself from the conservative ideologies of her childhood. Honouring her beloved grandfather Dennis Chappell and his favourite song The Strawberry Roan, Kayleigh created her stage name and a new version of herself.
“I’ve been a good, good girl for a long time (this is what I like), but, baby, I like flirting, a lover by my side. Can’t be a good, good girl, even if I tried (…) ‘Cause everything good happens after midnight”. These lyrics reflect the contrasting identities of Chappell and the Kayleigh she aspires to be, challenging her father’s saying, “nothing good happens after midnight”. But ultimately, Chappell discovered that everything good happens exactly where she was always told it wouldn’t.
The Pink Pony Club: Chappell’s Anthem of Self-Expression
The encounter with the queer community, which would later define her persona, occurred as Chappel began exploring LA’s nightlife. She discovered the existence of diverse sexualities, drag culture, and go-go dancers. Fascinated by the freedom of this lifestyle and the joy of being openly expressive in the city, the artist felt a deep admiration. However, she wasn’t yet brave enough to join this community. “I was not confident enough to become a go-go dancer, so I wrote a song about that”, she reflected, which led to the overnight success of Pink Pony Club. The lyrics leave little room for interpretation; they serve as a clear message to her former self and her family. Written after a night out at The Abbey gay club in LA, Chappell finally realised, “I know you wanted me to stay, but I can’t ignore the crazy visions of me in LA[1]” because “I heard that there’s a special place where boys and girls can all be queens every single day”.

“It’s where I belong down at the Pink Pony Club”, she also performed for the first time at a “weird gay festival (love)” [2]. However, the song achieved success only 4 years after its initial release. Specifically created for clubbing, it arrived in the right place at the wrong time in 2020, coinciding with the onset of a pandemic. This period marked a turning point for Chappell, who returned home following the end of her contract with Atlantic Records and faced financial difficulties. She even considered pursuing a career as either an esthetician or something in the field of genetics, driven by her passion for science.
So then, what happened in 2024?
A Slow Burn in a Period of Fast Rising. Chappell, the Thrift Store Pop Star That You Are
Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter, and now Chappell Roan. Why do we gatekeep our new, potentially favourite artists for so many years? In a period of rapid growth, where debut albums are often quickly followed by world tours within just a few months (as seen with Olivia Rodrigo or Gracie Abrams), it may seem easy for artists to stand out. However, they can also just as easily fade into oblivion or never emerge at all. As the saying goes, fools rush in where angels fear to tread.
In September 2023, after collaborating with Dan Nigro (producer for stars like Olivia Rodrigo and Conan Gray), Chappell released her debut album, Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, which saw only lukewarm success. Fast forward to June 2024, and the album appeared on the Billboard 100 chart. Chappell’s monthly listeners increased from 2 million to 21 million within just two months, and everyone was sharing her HOT-TO-GO cheerleader-inspired dance. What has happened?
Chappell Roan’s Coachella Revelation: A Game-Changing Moment
On April 12, 2024, Chappell Roan performed at the Coachella festival, creating a highlight moment that caught everyone’s attention. She stood out not only for her captivating style but also for her vibrant attitude. True to expectations, she knew how to seize the spotlight and maintain it.
Her presence at Coachella was groundbreaking, as it showcased both her personality and her previously underrated album, which climbed the charts and was recognised as one of the best albums of the year by the Grammys Committee.
Chappell Roan Embraces Her New Pop Identity in The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess
The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess is Chappell’s official switch to “pop-pop-pop” music. “I was so bored of performing sad songs. It’s not fun to go on tour and be sad for months and months. I just wanted something to party up”, she explained to Jimmy Fellon. This desire clearly reflected the aim of her album release: to fully express herself, embrace her sexuality, and explore what it means to be queer. “When I started writing this album, I had been in a relationship with a man for four and a half years,” she shared with Rolling Stone. “I was writing about girls, thinking about girls. I was expressing a part of me that I had always wanted to feel and live—complete freedom, the sparks. I thought I could trap that part of me in songs and keep it alive there.” She added, “I’d love to represent queer girls in high school who just want to be ladies, dream of being wives, and then break free and transform into dragons. This album is for the teenage girls who thought it was just a phase. It’s for me.”
It was the beginning of something new.
Chappell Roan’s 2024 Tour: An Immersive, Themed Experience
The potential of the album lies not only in the songs it features but also in the sense of community it fosters. As part of this goal, Chappell transformed her tour concerts into themed events where dressing up is highly encouraged, inspired by the style of her songs. The Pink Pony Club shows, for example, had a cowboy theme, while Casual concerts were all about mermaid outfits. My Kink is Karma encouraged a fancier, ‘kink wear’ style.
“I encourage y’all to dress up with me💫 don’t worry u will not be the only one hahah it’s so magical to see people lined up outside the venue in pink cowgirl hats and for everyone else to be like wtf is going on there but BITCH we know wat up it’s gonna b sooo fun !!!”, captioned the Instagram post she wrote to announce her summer 2024 tour. On her Discord channel, she even provided tutorials and mood boards to support her fans. And we honestly love it!
Why Are We All Looking at Chappell Roan? The 80s Revival and Long Live Pop Girlie
But getting to the real core: why are we all eyes on Chappell Roan?
One thing’s for sure: whether you first saw her at Coachella, the MTV VMAs (where she actually won an award for Best New Artist), or as an opener for Olivia Rodrigo (a phenomenon worth analysing—how opening acts are increasingly becoming stars in their own right), Chappell Roan has undoubtedly made a lasting an impression with her standout style. She embodies the super-graphic, ultra-modern girl we didn’t know we were waiting for.
Many even compared the feeling they experienced during her first appearance to the excitement of Lady Gaga’s debut album in 2008. Like Gaga, Roan was a struggling artist since 2005 and finally got recognised in early 2009 when Poker Face skyrocketed to fame.
With her larger-than-life personality, she seamlessly integrates into the pop music scene, creating an ‘80s revival that combines her timeless voice with a striking visual aesthetic. Her look is impossible to ignore, featuring a perfect blend of drag flamboyance and professionally crafted costumes, always designed to make her unforgettable.
Chappell’s approach to fashion goes far beyond mere aesthetics. Her bold choices serve as powerful statements of self-expression and solidarity with the queer community. She not only incorporates drag-inspired elements into her wardrobe but also supports local queer artists by inviting a drag performer to open each of her shows.
At The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, she turned heads with her eccentric curly blonde wig and a feathered black mini dress featuring wing-like details on her chest. Her makeup was just as theatrical: her hyper-long feathered lashes created a dramatic 3D eyeliner effect, her cheeks were sharply contoured, and her lips were painted in a glossy, unapologetic nude.
Chewing a gum nonchalantly, her exaggerated white nails clapping together as she answered questions in a refreshingly unfiltered and genuine manner. “We pull from drag, horror movies, burlesque, and theater,” she explained, before adding with a smirk, “It’s nothing serious. Fans search for deep meanings, but I don’t know, I just thought I looked hot.”
This unapologetic confidence is evident in her iconic looks. From her Statue of Liberty-inspired outfit, to her portrayal of Penelope with a prosthetic nose and the ‘80s prom dress she wore for her Tiny Desk concert or the now-famous “Eat Me” tee, each ensemble stands out. Her makeup is always bold—neon eye-shadows, metallic finishes, rhinestones, and exaggerated lashes are common staples, making her face as much a canvas for creativity as her music. It’s clear her style goes beyond mere appearance; it’s a celebration of self. For Chappell, it’s not just about looking good—it’s about loving who she is, embracing her creative impulses, and feeling stunning primarily for herself.
Navigating Success: Mental Health and Setting Boundaries
Despite feeling ready to become a star after spending ten years in the industry without major success, Chappell may not have fully anticipated the challenges that would come with being one of the most talked-about artists of the year. Diagnosed with bipolar II disorder, she has openly discussed her struggles with mental health, which have at times led her to step away from the public eye to focus on therapy. “Everything is very exciting right now, and I’m realizing that success actually makes me quite uncomfortable and self-conscious, and I’m not sure why yet. If you’re an artist (indie or not), this career is fucking hard, and I feel you,” she shared on Instagram, offering a raw glimpse into her feelings.
“Sometimes I miss being in Forever 21 and not being judged. I’m in disguise most of the time. But also, I miss being by myself,” she added, expressing the difficulty of becoming a public figure while asking for respect and space as a human being first. One thing is clear: she is not afraid to set boundaries, even if it means saying no and standing up for herself. This was evident when a recent confrontation with a photographer went viral, showing that Chappell is willing to defend her peace and personal space, even in the face of industry pressure.
[1] Pink Pony Club lyrics.
[2] The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fellon interview, June 20th 2024.