Chappell Roan

Chappell Roan (born Kayleigh Rose Amstutz on February 19, 1998) is an American singer-songwriter whose theatrical brand of synth-pop and camp aesthetic has redefined modern pop performance. Growing up in a conservative trailer park in Willard, Missouri, she adopted her stage name as an homage to her late grandfather, Dennis Chappell, and his favorite song, 'Strawberry Roan.' She began posting covers online as a teenager, which led to a major label deal and her debut EP, School Nights, in 2017.

Her artistic identity truly crystallized through her collaboration with producer Dan Nigro. The release of her breakout single 'Pink Pony Club' in 2020—a vibrant love letter to West Hollywood's drag and queer spaces—established her signature mix of emotional vulnerability and sparkling electropop. Despite being dropped by her label shortly after its release, she continued working independently, eventually signing with Island Records and Nigro's Amusement imprint. Her highly anticipated debut studio album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess (2023), received critical acclaim for its bold hooks, witty lyricism, and drag-inspired theatricality.

In 2024, Roan achieved historic mainstream success, propelled by her captivating live performances at major music festivals and her opening slot on Olivia Rodrigo's Guts World Tour. Hit singles like 'Good Luck, Babe!' and 'HOT TO GO!' became massive cultural sensations, earning her the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 2025. Unapologetically bold and visually dramatic, Roan draws heavy inspiration from drag queens, 1980s synth-pop, and early 2000s indie pop, cementing her status as a generational pop icon.