Chappell Roan is certainly a force not to be reckoned with. Within this past year, she’s risen to success like no other. Chappell is known for her bold outfits inspired by drag queens and drag art, but most importantly, her hit single “HOT TO GO!” has become a worldwide femininomenon.
Chappell’s stage name is dedicated to her late grandfather, Dennis Chappell, whose favorite song was “The Strawberry Roan” by Marty Robbins. She had settled on this name while writing an original song “Die Young” at age 16, then being signed to Atlantic Records at 17. Chappell’s first EP “School Nights” was released in 2017, leading her to move from her hometown Willard, Missouri to Los Angeles where she still is today. Since the release of her 2023 album, “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess”, Chappell has made headlines for her theatrical performances at Gov Ball, Coachella, and many more music festivals as well as opening for singers like Olivia Rodrigo and Fletcher.
In the past month, Chappell has opened up in a two-part TikTok video about harassment and stalking that she’s been experiencing with such “fans”. She called out people for stalking her and her family, bullying her online, shouting at her in the street, and becoming abusive when she refused to pose for photos or give hugs. “If you saw a random woman on the street, would you yell at her from your car window? Would you harass her in public? Would you go up to a random lady and say, ‘Can I take a photo with you?’ and she says ‘No’ and then you get mad at this random lady?” she said. People responded to the video with cruel comments and feel that such behavior “is a normal thing” that celebrities have to deal with. Chappell came back at the media yet again, “I don’t care that this crazy type of behavior comes along with the job, the career field I’ve chosen. That does not make it OK, that doesn’t make it normal. That doesn’t mean that I want it, that doesn’t mean that I like it.” Many women in music have reached out in support of Chappell. The names include Charli XCX, Billie Eilish, Sabrina Carpenter, Paramore bandleader Hayley Williams, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, Julien Baker, Lorde, and Mitski.
The LGBTQ+ community has always been a home for Chappell. Songs of hers like “Casual”, “Red Wine Supernova”, and “Good Luck, Babe!” highlight the ups and downs of queer relationships and her personal experiences. By openly embracing her sexuality
and incorporating it into her artistry, this music icon has become a voice for the LGBTQ+ community. Taking home the trophy for Best New Artist at the 2024 VMA Awards, Chappell read a snippet of a speech she had written in a diary. “I dedicate this to all the drag artists who inspire me. And I dedicate this to queer & trans people that fuel pop,” Chappell continued, “And for all the queer kids in the Midwest watching right now, I see you, I understand you because I’m one of you. And don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t be exactly who you want to be.” From featuring local queens as tour openers to donating portions of ticket sales to LGBTQ+ charities, Chappell’s support extends beyond the stage. Additionally, she ensures merch and ticket prices are accessible, fostering a strong connection with her dedicated LGBTQ+ fanbase.
In an industry where names arrive and die on the charts so swiftly, Chappell maintains a name and reputation as one that will not be forgotten. She holds a community that thrives on and off-line. As a self-described “Goodwill pop star”, Chappell Roan has built herself to become a dream industry’s dream girl.
