As it is often said, it takes many, many years to become an overnight success and nothing about the meteoric rise to fame that 26-year old pop sensation Chappell Roan experienced since releasing her debut album ‘The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess’ back in September of 2023 has come easy to her. A whirlwind rise to fame is not kind to many, especially if you are a young woman diagnosed with severe depression and bipolar II disorder and suddenly have a hoard of people scrutinizing every facet of your existence and being abusive in the guise of devotion.
Your Favorite Artist’s Favorite Artist
Chappell Roan’s campy, maximalist and flamboyant stage presence has enamored concert goers. In the second weekend of Coachella, she stepped out in an ensemble of bright pinks and reds with giant wings that resembled that of a butterfly. Kneeling and looking directly into the camera she said, “I’m your favourite artist’s favourite artist”—a nod to American drag performer, Sasha Colby.
Alongside her charisma on stage, she delivers some of the most vocally assured performances in the current pop music. As her producer Dan Nigro says, “Her voice can do things that most singers can never do.” This is best exemplified in her live performances of her unreleased song ‘Subway’ as she effortlessly belts out the words—“She’s got a way / She got away.”
Her catchy and magnetic songs that speak of desire, heartache and most potently the lesbian experience have captured the hearts of LGBTQ+ youth who not only feel seen through her lyrics but also get to bask in the queer joy of her concerts.
Her Advocacy And Unapologetic Queerness
Growing up in the Midwest, Chappell was taught that being a lesbian was a sin and morally evil. The eleventh song from her album, ‘Pink Pony Club’ reflects her yearning to leave her home for a city when queer expression is not only accepted but also celebrated, even in the face of her family’s disapproval.
Back in June, while painted in green and dressed as the Statue of Liberty, she revealed during her Governor’s ball performance that she had turned down an invite from the White House to perform for their Pride Celebration—saying she will only come when the government makes way for liberty, justice and freedom for all. In an interview with the Rolling Stone, Chappell said that she initially wanted to accept the invitation and read Palestinian poetry as a form of protest but was advised against it. She further states that she refused to be a ‘Monkey for Pride.’
As every other woman in the spotlight, Chappell has been the target of a barrage of bad-faith criticism—one of the reasons involve her refusal to endorse Democratic Presidential candidate Kamala Harris prior to the 2024 elections. She went on to say that while she would be voting for her, she cannot put her name and her project behind a party that espoused transphobic and genocidal values even if the other party is decidedly worse.
The Abusive Side of Fame
Threatening her mental well-being as well as physical security, fame has been cruel to Chappell Roan. From getting berated for denying an autograph to showing up in front of her parents’ door and her own hotel room, she has been subjected to it all. She was reduced to tears and screaming after returning home due to a stalker verbally harassing her at multiple airports which required the police to be called.
What is even more tragic is how she was ridiculed and claimed to be unfit to be a pop star by the internet in the aftermath of her setting personal boundaries in wake of this inappropriate behaviour. The way she continues to draw huge crowds is exemplifying how female artists should not need to willingly endure abuse to be deemed fit to be a superstar.
