Everything you need to know about Grammy Award-winning singer Chappell Roan

New music, awards, festival performances and more...

Author: Amy ShephardPublished 17th Feb 2026
Last updated 1 hour ago

'Midwest Princess' Chappell Roan was seriously 'Hot To Go' when she burst to fame in 2024 — and 2025 was no different! From winning big at the GRAMMYs, the MTV VMAs and even the BRITs, to storming into the charts with her hits 'Good Luck, Babe', 'Pink Pony Club' and 'The Subway', her recent success is undeniable — but Chappell certainly isn't new to the game.

Once describing herself as 'your favourite artist's favourite artist', the singer loves taking to the stage in the most elaborate of outfits, often bejewelled by her own hand! After blowing up the Internet with her red carpet look for the 2026 GRAMMYs and after receiving TWO award nominations, here's everything you need to know about 'Femininomenon' herself, Chappell Roan...

Who is Chappell Roan?

Born Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, the American singer took the professional name Chappell Roan in 2016 and released her first single 'Good Hurt' the following year. She's previously described her music as 'slumber party pop' — or indie, synth pop with 80s influences.

Her most successful songs so far are 'Good Luck, Babe', which made it to Number 2 in the UK chart and is certified 3x Platinum by the BPI, and 'Pink Pony Club', which hit Number 1 and has received a 3x Platinum certification. She's also had great success with 2025 releases 'The Giver' and 'The Subway', the latter of which was nominated at the GRAMMY Awards 2026.

Chappell Roan at the 2025 Met Gala

Where did she get her stage name?

The singer's stage name was inspired by her late grandfather Dennis Chappell — whose favourite song was 'The Strawberry Roan'. In a post on Instagram on what would have been her grandfather's birthday (and also the day her debut album was released) Chappell Roan said:

'Dear Papa, I wish you could see what we have created. I named this project after you to honor your name and your never-ending love. "Chappell" being your last name, a name that brings me so many lovely memories. "Roan" references your favorite old western song, "The Strawberry Roan."'

How old is Chappell Roan?

She was born on 19th February 1998, making her 28-years-old.

Where is she from?

She was born in Midwestern US state Missouri and attended Willard High School. She moved to Los Angeles when she was 20.

Did she perform in the UK in 2025?

Chappell headlined Reading & Leeds Festivals in 2025, along with Travis Scott, Hozier and Bring Me The Horizon. She performed in Reading on Friday 22nd August and Leeds on Saturday 23rd, in what was her biggest UK show so far.

Chappell also performed at the Edinburgh Summer Sessions, where she took to the stage of Royal Highland Showgrounds on 26th August 2025, just days after the other festival headline sets.

Did Chappell Roan support Olivia Rodrigo on tour?

Yes! The sparkly songstress supported friend Olivia Rodrigo on the US leg of her 'GUTS' world tour in 2024, wowing crowds with a duet of her pop hit 'HOT TO GO'. You can catch a glimpse of the pair in action in the Olivia Rodrigo: GUTS World Tour concert film, available on Netflix.

Welcoming Chappell on stage, Olivia said: "I've known this artist for about four years now. I absolutely adore her. I think she is one of the most singular, inspiring, powerful artists I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. And I'm so excited because she's going to sing one of my favourite songs of all times with me tonight."

How did Chappell Roan become famous?

Despite Chappell Roan only really coming into the public eye in the last couple of years or so, with the help of her hit record 'Good Luck, Babe!' going viral on TikTok, the singer has actually been releasing banger after banger for a number of years. She released her debut single in 2017, and in Chappell's words, she's been "doing this a long time now".

Interest in the singer gathered undeniable momentum throughout 2024. On top of a TikTok hit, appearances at Olivia Rodrigo's 'GUTS World Tour', Coachella, Lollapalooza, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and at the MTV VMAs (where she won an award for Best New Artist) catapulted her popularity and cemented her superstar status.

Chappell began uploading YouTube videos back in 2013 — showcasing the occasional original piece, as well as covers. By 2015, she had moved to New York to pursue music, eventually signing with Atlantic Records in May 2015.

Despite 'Pink Pony Club' becoming a worldwide smash-hit in late 2024, reigning in multiple award nominations for Chappell, it may surprise you to hear that the track was actually released back in April 2020.

How many albums has she released?

One so far. In September 2023, Chappell Roan released her debut album 'The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess' which peaked at Number 1 in the UK and Number 2 in the US. It's since been certified Platinum in the UK and was nominated for Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album at the GRAMMY Awards.

On the day of its release, she said in a post on Instagram: 'This was possible because of the dedicated hard work of friends, family, and my entire team. Thank you for years of working for free, pulling favors, taking risks, and tirelessly believing in this. It is because of you that we made it.

'This album is for the 10 year old girl from the Midwest who never thought she could be herself. The girl who felt shame from the day she turned 13 for having a deeper love for her girl best friend that was unlike anything she felt for boys.

'For the girl who was told to be proper and sweet and ladylike, but simply would never be. I hope you feel freedom and joy when you listen. I hope it gives you solace in the difficult times.

Chappell Roan's second album

Unsurprisingly, fans have been desperate for more from Chappell, but it looks like we might have a while to wait. In an interview with Vogue in July 2025, the singer revealed her second album "doesn't exist yet", and said it would likely take around five years to write, just like the first.

New music

'The Subway'

Her most recent release was 'The Subway' in July 2025. Releasing the track on Friday 1st August in the UK, 'The Subway' debuted at Number 1 and spent a further four weeks in the Top 10, receiving a Silver certification from the BPI the following month in September 2025. It's since been certified Gold.

'The Subway' received two nominations at the GRAMMY Awards 2026 for Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance, but Chappell came away empty handed on the night.

Which are Chappell Roan's most successful songs?

'Good Luck Babe'

Chappell Roan's April 2024 release 'Good Luck, Babe' reached Number 2 in the UK chart and has been certified 3x Platinum. The song even won a 2025 BRIT Award for International Song of the Year.

The track is an 'I told you so' tune about denying a romantic connection — which Chappell previously revealed is based on a situation she found herself in with a girl who start dating a 'loser of a guy'. The lyrics include: 'I don't wanna call it off / But you don't wanna call it love / You only wanna be the one that I call "baby" / You can kiss a hundred boys in bars / Shoot another shot, try to stop the feeling / You can say it's just the way you are / Make a new excuse, another stupid reason / Good luck, babe.'

The synth-pop song has been described by many as her breakthrough hit — and was performed at Coachella, on The Tonight Show and at the MTV VMAs in 2024.

'HOT TO GO!'

This undeniably catchy tune will live in your head rent free. Complete with its own YMCA-style dance routine, it's no surprise it's grown a bit of a following over on TikTok. 'HOT TO GO!' was released in 2023 and peaked at Number 7 in the UK. It's since been certified 2x Platinum.

The lyrics include: 'Baby, do you like this beat? / I made it so you'd dance with me / It's like a hundred ninety-nine degrees / When you're doing it with me, doing it with me.'

'Pink Pony Club'

Originally released in 2020, 'Pink Pony Club' saw a surge in popularity in 2024 - and by 2025 it had peaked in the UK at Number 1, and had been certified 2x Platinum here. Chappell previously revealed she wrote the song after a night at West Hollywood gay bar, The Abbey.

She sings: 'Pink Pony Club / I'm gonna keep on dancing down in West Hollywood / I'm gonna keep on dancing at the Pink Pony Club / I'm up and jaws are on the floor / Lovers in the bathroom and a line outside the door / Blacklights and a mirrored disco ball / Every night's another reason why I left it all.'

Chappell performed the iconic track at the 2025 Grammy Awards, where she was accompanied by plenty of high-energy dancers and, of course, a ginormous pink pony. The performance served as her Grammy stage debut, and was an undeniable staple moment of the night - with the YouTube video of her performance raking in almost 4 million views in two weeks.

Not only that, but Chappell even performed the track alongside the legendary Sir Elton John, who sang along to the chorus while rocking a sparkling pink cowboy hat. The duet took place during Elton's annual Aids Foundation Academy Awards viewing party, and also saw them sing his classic 'Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me'.

'The Giver'

Despite only dropping in March 2025, country-club track 'The Giver' has become one of Chappell's biggest tracks to date, peaking at Number 2 in the UK charts and being certified Gold by the BPI.

Speaking about the catchy tune on the Country Heat Weekly podcast, Chappell said: "Well, and I can’t call myself the Midwest princess and not acknowledge country music straight up.

"That is what is around me in the grocery stores. That’s what is playing on the bus…I know that my heart really wanted to write a country song, and I’m trying to really articulate that it’s not me trying to cross genres and be like, ‘Hey, you know, look at me.’

"I’m not trying to convince a country crowd that they should listen to my music by baiting them with a country song. That’s not what I feel like I’m doing. I just think a lesbian country song is really funny, so I wrote that."

Does she write her own songs?

Yes! Along with her producer, Dan Nigro - with whom she co-wrote her 2025 track 'The Giver' - and sometimes extra writers, Chappell Roan has a lot of input in penning her own songs. She previously revealed she wanted to call her top hit 'Good Luck, Jane' but was in disagreement with her co-writer about it.

Is Chappell Roan single?

She is not! Appearing on Alex Cooper‘s Call Her Daddy podcast, Chappell confirmed that she's loved-up at the moment, and is in fact in a relationship. Questioned on how she goes about dating, following her recent 'blow-up' in popularity, the 'HOT TO GO' singer confirmed that she has been dating someone since around September 2024.

Probed on whether or not the relationship was casual or not — a nod to her hit track 'Casual' — Chappell added this was not the case, confirming her romance is "serious" and said "I'm very in love".

Debating whether dating may be harder for the singer following her recent catapult into the limelight, Chappell added that she's "dating the same person that I was dating before it blew up" — as well as adding: "I’m not sure how I would date now. I think it would actually be a nightmare."

The 28-year-old met her current partner through a friend, however added that "it wasn’t a setup". Although Chappell has been open about preferring to date women, she didn't divulge any more details about her partner.

Despite now being loved-up, Chappell also advocated for the single life, enthusing that everybody should be, saying: "Be single. Stop dating. Have a great time alone. Find out for yourself if you can 100 percent be OK alone before you date. That’s what I found out. I had a great time when I was single and now, I have an awesome time that I’m with someone."

How much did her 'Hot To Go' costume sell for at auction?

In February 2025, Chappell donated her 'Hot To Go' costume to the Give a Frock auction, which was raising funds for those affected by the devastating LA wildfires. The sparkly blue leotard, complete with epaulettes went for a staggering $88,900.

Other fashion pieces included Chappell's purple satin corset top and fringe ensemble worn at the Goldfield Trading Post in 2023 (sold for $22,225) and her Marc Jacobs boots, worn for the Rolling Stone Magazine photo shoot, which sold for $6,350.

Chappell's items were among a collection of celebrity costumes in the auction, including Charli XCX's 'Sweat Tour' Bridal-Inspired Ensemble and Sabrina Carpenter's Polka-Dot Outfit from her 'Taste' music video and the Hooded Blue Velvet Mini-Dress from her 'Please Please Please' video.

What awards has she won?

The Grammys

In February 2025 Chappell won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist at the 67th annual ceremony, going up against Benson Boone, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Khruangbin, RAYE, Shaboozey and Teddy Swims.

It followed her colourful performance of 2020 hit 'Pink Pony Club' on stage, which saw global superstars such as Alicia Keys and Kelsea Ballerini dance and sing along to the worldwide hit.

BRIT Awards 2025

In March 2025, Chappell picked up two awards at the BRIT Awards with Mastercard; International Artist of the Year and International Song of the Year for 'Good Luck, Babe!' She beat tough competition from the likes of Sabrina Carpenter, Billie Eilish and Taylor Swift to bag the International Artist gong.

MTV Video Music Awards

Chappell Roan fans went wild in September 2024 when the singer bagged the award for Best New Artist at MTV's VMAs. It followed a memorable performance of hit single 'Good Luck, Babe!' on stage, in which Chappell was dressed in medieval armour, performing in front of a burning castle!

In her acceptance speech, she dedicated the award to the drag artists who inspire her: "Thank you MTV and Island Records and my team and my family and friends. I dedicate this to all the drag artists who inspire me. And I dedicate this to queer and trans people that fuel pop.

"To the gays who dedicate my songs to someone they love or hate. And thank you to the people who are fans, who listen to me, who hear me when I share my joy and my fears. Thank you for listening. 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."

That iconic Lady Liberty performance

New York City's popular Governor's Ball returned for its 14th year in June 2024, this time with rising star, Chappell Roan, on the bill. The singer, no stranger to an extravagant costume, took to the stage dressed as none other than The Statue of Liberty herself! Appearing from inside a big apple, painted green from head to toe, the singer put on an electrifying performance — singing a selection of tracks including 'Femininomenon', 'My Kink is My Karma' and 'Hot to Go'.

Take a look through some of the biggest albums out in 2026:

Madison Beer - 'Locket'

Release date: Out now
Early in 2026, Madison Beer released her album 'Locket'. The album featured her songs 'yes baby' and 'bittersweet' and will be supported by 'The Locket Tour' coming to the UK in May.

Jason Derulo

Release date: Out now
Jason Derulo dropped his album 'The Last Dance (Part One) on Friday 23rd January! The album arrived just days before his arrival into the UK for his huge tour!

Louis Tomlinson - 'How Did I Get Here?'

Release date: Out now
Louis Tomlinson announced in September 2025 that he would be releasing his third album 'How Did I Get Here?' on 23rd January 2026. The album features his hit songs 'Lemonade' and 'Imposter'.

Charli XCX - 'Wuthering Heights'

Release date: Out now
Charli XCX has released 'Wuthering Heights', the album accompanies the release of the new adaptation of the Emily Brontë book, directed by Saltburn director Emerald Fennell.

Leigh-Anne - 'My Ego Told Me To'

Release date: 20th February
Leigh-Anne announced in October 2025 that she would be releasing her album in 2026. The album called 'My Ego Told Me To' will be supported by a tour of the same name.

Bruno Mars - 'The Romantic'

Release date: 27th February
Bruno Mars has confirmed his next album 'The Romantic' will be released on 27th February, and preceded by a new single, due for release on 9th January. This is the singer's first solo album since '24K Magic' in 2016.

BLACKPINK

Release date: 27th February
BLACKPINK have announced they will be releasing their third mini album called 'Deadline'. It will be their first album as a band in around four years and follows on from their world tour, which finishes in January 2026 in Tokyo.

Harry Styles

Release date: 6th March 2026
Harry Styles confirmed in January 2026 that he would be releasing his fourth album in March. The album is called 'Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally.' and will feature the lead single 'Aperture'.

RAYE - 'This Music May Contain Hope'

Release date: 27th March 2026
RAYE announced in January 2026 that her second album would be entitled 'This Music May Contain Hope' and would be released on 27th March 2026! She shared the news on Instagram alongside the album artwork, which shows her holding onto a rope and opening a door in the sky which shows the album's title as if it's the sun. We don't yet know the full track list, but we know that fan-favourite 'Where Is My Husband!' will appear on the record.

Dermot Kennedy - 'The Weight of the Woods'

Release date: 27th March 2026
In January, Dermot Kennedy announced he would be releasing his album 'The Weight of the Woods' in March. The album was created between Ireland and Nashville, and the singer has described the album as "organically" Irish, without trying to force it, he also revealed despite doing work on it in Nashville - home of country music - it wasn't a country album.

Zayn - 'Konnakol'

Release date: 17th April 2026
Along with announcing the release date for his new song 'Die For Me', Zayn has revealed he will be releasing his fifth solo album called 'Konnakol' in April. The album's unusual title means 'the South Indian Carnatic art of performing complex percussion syllables vocally, acting as a rhythmic language for composition and education'.

Melanie C - 'Sweat'

Release date: 1st May
In October 2025, Melanie C has announced she will be releasing a new album called 'Sweat' in 2026, and it will feature her current single, which is the title track. The album will include 13 songs including the lead single and is the singer's 'most euphoric record to date'.

Westlife - '25 - The Ultimate Collection'

Release date: 8th May
Following the hugely exciting news that Westlife will be going on 'The 25th Anniversary World Tour' in 2026, the band announced a new album called '25 - The Ultimate Collection'. The album features many of the band's biggest hits along with some new material recorded by all four members of the band. Originally due for release in February, the date was put back until 8th May due to 'some unavoidable scheduling changes'.

Now read:

Everything you need to know about BRIT Award-winner Dua Lipa

Everything there is to know about 'Beautiful Things' singer Benson Boone

Sabrina Carpenter's biggest songs and the meanings behind them

Want more music news?

Read more of the latest music news here