Chappell Roan

Gone seem to be the glorious days in which Coachella was the quintessential event of pop culture: the ultimate place to be, whether for singers, celebrities, and celebrity wannabe influencers – where music, pop culture, and (questionable) fashion choices met in the Californian desert.

For years, the Music Festival was the talk of the town, be it for its unexpected reunions – such as Guns N' Roses, 2NE1, and, more recently, No Doubt -, memorable performances (hello, Beychella!), or flower crowns, vaquero boots-filled controversies. And for those of you who may not remember, yes, Dramageddon started EXACTLY at Coachella... Oh my God, time and place!

Yet, there must have been a shift in the past few years, as lackluster lineups and declining ticket sales have dominated the discourse of the once unerring event. Each year, a few standout performances by lesser-known artists garnered attention, serving as proof of what was to come for them: more fame, more success, more hits. In 2024, however, it was almost as if Lana del Rey’s enchanting performance and Doja Cat’s hypnotic act were the only ones to generate interest across social media. Almost.

Because of all the others, one name made a dazzling impact: Chappell Roan. When Roan stepped onto the stage, her presence was electrifying. Her set worked the crowd and the online community, particularly on TikTok, into a frenzy. Clips of her donning a flaming red wig, with a dramatic glam and a cross hanging from her neck above a shirt reading “EAT ME” popped up everywhere. In many of these, her voice soared through the bridge of her single titled “Good Luck, Babe!”: And when you think about me/all of those years ago/You're standing face to face with "I told you so." And with that, a new star was born.

Chappell Roan by Lucienne Nghiem

This marked Roan’s debut at Coachella, both as a performer and as an attendee. The drag-inspired look, now eponymous with Roan’s drag-inspired persona, was a collaboration between her and makeup genius Donni Davy, best known for her award-winning makeup on HBO’s Euphoria. But who is Chappell Roan?

Born Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, the Willard, Missouri native’s meteoric rise to fame might seem like a fairy tale, but the path to stardom was marked by profound challenges and personal obstacles. Her transition from a small-town girl in the Ozarks to a widely recognized pop star is one of resilience and unbending determination.

Growing up in a conservative community, Roan often felt constrained and judged particularly as she navigated her burgeoning love for music and her distinctive sense of self. "I was raised believing that being gay was morally wrong," she revealed in an interview with The Guardian. The conservative values of her hometown made it difficult for her to embrace her true self, leading to years of inner conflict and self-doubt. “It took me a long time to accept who I am, and now I want to use my platform to help others do the same.” Her music reflects this journey - sincere, candid, and unapologetically authentic. Songs like “Pink Pony Club” and “Love Me Anyway” explore themes of love, identity, and self-acceptance, resonating deeply with fans.

However, Roan’s early forays into music were not met with immediate success. She faced numerous rejections from record labels and industry insiders who struggled to categorize her unique sound. Roan’s perseverance paid off when she caught the attention of Atlantic Records, but the initial lack of profits caused the label to drop her in 2020. The same week, her boyfriend of four years broke up with her. All this forced Roan to move back to her hometown, working as a production assistant, barista, and nanny to support herself. In 2022, Roan returned to Los Angeles to independently pursue her music career while juggling various odd jobs – among which was one at a donut shop. Eventually, she got the opportunity to sign a publishing deal with Sony. By March 2022, she reunited with Dan Nigro, who she worked with in the past, before he shifted his focus to Olivia Rodrigo’s “Sour” after the success of “Drivers License.”

With the release of her groundbreaking debut studio album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, Roan has solidified her position as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Midwest Princess is a vibrant synth-pop tapestry of raw emotion, infectious melodies, and lyrical depth that resonates with a generation craving authenticity, earning Roan critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. The title of the album is a nod to her roots and her evolution: it tells a story of transformation, growth, and identity.

But it’s not just her sound that sets her apart - it's her striking visual presence as well. Roan's fashion choices are as dynamic and expressive as her music. Known for effortlessly blending classic glamour with campy, queer influences, she has become a fashion icon in her own right. Her style transcends clothing, serving as a declaration, questioning conventions, and celebrating the art of fashion, securing her position as a beacon of authenticity and self-expression in the music world. As Roan continues to ascend, she remains grounded and committed to her artistic vision. She uses her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and to inspire others to embrace their true selves, in an effort to challenge societal norms and spark meaningful conversations.

There’s no doubt that Roan will remain a force to be reckoned with, both on the charts and in the fashion world. So keep an eye on Chappell Roan. She is here to stay.