Chappell Roan is a rare phenomenon—a new pop star whose rise is unmistakably visible, and fans are flocking to see her everywhere. The 26-year-old singer, who launched her debut album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess in September 2023, has quickly become a magnetic force at major festivals and concerts.
At Boston Calling on May 26, where headliners like Ed Sheeran and Megan Thee Stallion drew crowds, Roan became the unexpected star, pulling in throngs of fans eager to hear tracks like “Hot To Go” and “Casual.” Drone footage captured a sea of people mesmerized by her performance. The momentum only grew; at New York’s Governors Ball on June 9, Roan took the stage covered in green body paint as a tribute to the Statue of Liberty. She made a bold statement by telling the crowd she’d declined an invitation to perform at a White House Pride event, saying, “When you [offer] liberty, freedom, and justice for all, that’s when I’ll come.”
Roan’s career took another major leap at Bonnaroo, where her set was moved from a tent to a main outdoor stage to accommodate the growing demand. Fans began lining up at 3:30 a.m., eager to secure a spot for her June 16 performance.
Part of Roan’s success is due to her vibrant performance style, which makes her as engaging to watch as she is to listen to. Opening for Olivia Rodrigo on tour in early 2024 gave her exposure to a larger audience, while a unique Tiny Desk concert on NPR in March showcased her powerful vocals and drag-inspired stage presence, solidifying her status as a must-see performer. A standout performance at Coachella helped her Spotify listeners explode, eventually landing her first Billboard Hot 100 hit with “Good Luck, Babe!” in April. As of June, the song peaked at No. 21, and her album reached No. 12 on the Billboard 200, marking her swift ascent in the pop world.
Despite her whirlwind rise, Roan has been candid about the pressures of newfound fame. During a tour stop in Raleigh, N.C., she told the audience she was overwhelmed by the pace of her success but expressed gratitude for their support. Her authenticity has only strengthened her connection with fans, who feel her journey is genuine.
Though some have speculated that Roan’s rapid rise points to her being an “industry plant,” she’s been building her career independently for years. After her debut EP School Nights in 2017 and a single in 2020, her label dropped her. Determined to keep going, she moved back to her parents’ home during the pandemic and gave herself a year to make music as an independent artist while working at a doughnut shop. She reinvented her style with a drag-inspired aesthetic and music that spoke to her queer identity, ultimately leading to her album release with Island Records in 2023.
Today, Chappell Roan is emerging as one of pop’s most exciting new voices, captivating audiences with her artistry and proving that her success is anything but accidental
