Everything you need to know about singer Chappell Roan
She supported friend, Olivia Rodrigo, on her 'GUTS' world tour!
'Midwest Princess' Chappell Roan is arguably 2024's hottest newcomer, winning an MTV VMA for Best New Artist and storming into the charts with her hits 'Good Luck, Babe', 'Hot to Go' and 'Pink Pony Club'.
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. This girl really knows how to put on a show! Here's everything you need to know about the next big thing, 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 song so far is 'Good Luck, Babe' which made it to Number 2 in the UK chart.
Where did Chappell Roan 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 26 years old.
Is Chappell Roan going on tour?
She's currently on her 'The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess' tour, although the UK leg is now over. She performed in Glasgow, London, Manchester and Dublin in September 2024 — and is now continuing her tour across the United States of America.
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, wowing crowds with a duet of her pop hit 'HOT TO GO'.
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."
Where is Chappell Roan from?
She was born in Midwestern US state Missouri and attended Willard High School. She moved to Los Angeles when she was 20.
How did Chappell Roan become famous?
Despite releasing banger after banger for a number of years now, Chappell Roan only really came into the public eye in the last year or so after supporting friend and pop star, Olivia Rodrigo, on tour, and releasing hit record, 'Good Luck, Babe!'
Interest in the singer has gathered momentum throughout the past year, with an appearance at Coachella in April and Chicago festival Lollapalooza in August. She's also appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and at the MTV VMAs (in which she won an award for Best New Artist!).
How many albums has Chappell Roan 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.
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.'
Which are Chappell Roan's most successful songs?
'Good Luck Babe'
By far her most successful song, Chappell Roan's April 2024 release 'Good Luck, Babe' reached Number 2 in the UK chart.
The song 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.
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'
Released in 2020, 'Pink Pony Club' peaked in the UK at Number 15. 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.'
Does Chappell Roan write her own songs?
Yes! Along with her producer, Dan Nigro, and sometimes extra writers, Chappell Roan has a lot of input in the writing of 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.
Chappell Roan at the 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'.
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