She’s your favorite artist’s favorite artist. She’s your dream girl’s dream girl. She’s Chappell Roan, the Midwest Princesswho’s, the latest pop sensation. Between her iconic big red hair and drag-inspired makeup and having performed at large-scale events such as Coachella and the Governor’s Ball, there’s no doubt that Roan is one of 2024’s biggest artists.
Though she’s been around for years at this point, to some, Chappell Roan might be a completely new artist, and her newfound success has some wondering: Why is Chappell Roan so popular right now? Here are a few reasons why Chappell Roan is everyone’s favorite “Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl” right now.
Image Credit: Jason Martin from Wikimedia Commons
Iconic Looks
Think of a celebrity right now. Chances are, they have something about them that makes them instantly recognizable. Whether it be Taylor Swift’s red lips and bangs or Ariana Grande’s ponytail, nearly every celebrity has that attribute that makes them them. Chappell Roan is no stranger to this. Her big, curly, bright red hair makes her instantly recognizable to many.
Roan’s makeup looks only add to her ‘it’ factor. Inspired by drag queen Violet Chachki and singer-songwriter Boy George (just to name a few), Chappell Roan’s makeup stands out against a sea of dewy makeup that looks popular today.
It’s not only her hair and makeup that elevate that’s her look; Roan’s stage costumes are on another level. Whether she’s dressed as the Statue of Liberty at the Governor’s Ball or covered in feathers on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Chappell Roan brings a campy new look to this generation of pop music, even being compared to stars such as Lady Gaga, who’s known for her many memorable looks, such as her 2010 MTV Music Awards Meat Dress.
She Really Is Our Favorite Artist’s Favorite Artist
Chappell Roan really wasn’t lying when she said she was our favorite artist’s favorite artist; She has received acclaim from many stars who came before her.
Pop superstar Olivia Rodrigo, who reached stardom from her pop hits “drivers license” and “good 4 u”, has worked with Roan on tracks like “Can’t Catch Me Now” and “lacy”. Not only that, but Rodrigo also brought Roan along with her as the opening act to her GUTS World Tour for nearly all of her North American dates.
Olivia Rodrigo isn’t the only celebrity who’s expressed love for Roan—other fellow pop stars such as Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga have praised Roan online in videos and posts on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Sabrina Carpenter has recently reached new levels of stardom and has even covered Roan’s single “Good Luck, Babe!” on Radio 1’s Live Lounge.
If that wasn’t enough for you, music legend Elton John has expressed abundant praise for Roan and her music, even inviting her onto his podcast Rocket Hour. On said podcast, John states, “It’s wonderful to see true talent being recognized.” Additionally, John says that Chappell should “enjoy [her] success, [and] keep writing songs” and that he will “support [Chappell Roan] forever.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhA\_fSGEpYs
She’s an Advocate for All Rights
Recently, Roan performed at the Governor’s Ball, a yearly music festival in New York City. Dressed as Lady Liberty, Roan revealed that she had turned down an invitation from the White House to perform as part of their Pride Month celebration. Before performing her song “My Kink is Karma,” she stated, “As a response to the White House, who asked me to perform for Pride: We want liberty, justice, and freedom for all. When you do that, that’s when I’ll come.”Additionally, Roan also refers to “The New Colossus,” a plaque on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty:
“I am in drag of the biggest queen of all. In case you have forgotten what’s etched on my pretty little toes – “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses, yearning to breathe free” – that means freedom and trans rights. That means freedom and women’s rights. And […] It especially means freedom for all oppressed people in occupied territories.”
Her statement sparked cheers from the audience. Many fans praised her online for speaking out about these topics, while others may have chosen to stay silent.
She’s Important to the Queer Community
Though Roan’s only released one album so far, she doesn’t shy away from talking about her own lived queer experiences as a sapphic woman. For example, “Good Luck, Babe!”, her first Hot 100 hit, talks about Roan’s experience in dating a woman struggling with compulsory heterosexuality (otherwise known as “comp-het”). Many people in the community can see themselves in songs like this one, whether they struggle with comp-het or have dated someone who does, making Roan a figure in the industry to whom they can relate to.
Though Chappell Roan has just experienced a breakthrough in her career, with her catchy songs and memorable looks, it’s clear that she’s more than just a one-hit-wonder. With a new album on the way, it seems like we’ll be seeing more and more of her.
