Over the past year, pop singer Chappell Roan has gone from an emerging artist to a music sensation, captivating fans with her unique style, lyrics, and authenticity. Her breakout album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, has taken over the music charts and garnered a cult following.
“I became a Chappell Roan fan because the music she makes is unlike anything I’ve ever heard. I initially played her album as background noise, but after hearing her song ‘Casual,’ I became immersed in her art,” Natalie Ramos (11) said. “I think Chappell Roan gained traction and popularity so quickly because of her distinct vocals and style. The range of her voice and her impressive vocal flips definitely captured my attention.”
Roan’s quick rise to fame is partly due to her distinct look and authentic expression. Her vibrant red hair and unique white-based makeup have made her a stand-out artist.
“Her whole vibe is just so different from anything I’ve seen recently. You can see her individuality in everything she does, from her look to her lyrics. My friend who introduced me to Chappell Roan’s music was actually first enticed by her makeup. She had seen a performance of Roan and ever since then recognized her look— it always seems to stand out,” Thomas Nguyen (11) said.
Roan’s music dives into personal experiences that can strike a chord with listeners.
“I find what attracts so many to her work is the fact that she is openly queer and expresses that through her music. She puts her vulnerable experiences into beautiful lyrics and has captivated supporting artists and all of her fans,” Ramos said.
Roan’s vulnerability has made her an admirable figure for many.
“Seeing an artist who’s open about who she is so inspiring for so many people. Roan, being someone in the spotlight who is so different from what we usually see, makes it feel like no matter who you are, it’s okay to be yourself,” Nguyen said.
However, with her rise to fame, Roan has faced recent backlash, especially as she sets boundaries with fans. Over the summer, Roan expressed her desire to live a more ordinary life, free of paparazzi ambushes at the grocery store and spontaneous meet-and-greets on the street. In response, many have attacked Roan’s character, arguing that these moments go hand in hand with fame. Some see this criticism as unfair and disrespectful to her identity as a person, rather than a celebrity.
“I find the backlash Chappell Roan has received to be quite immature. I think the public tends to forget that celebrities are people too, so they get frustrated when someone speaks out and sets boundaries. Yes, she has become a popular artist and has gathered millions of supporters, but that doesn’t mean that her fans are entitled to anything from her,” Ramos said.
