Feisty Female Friday: Chappell Roan
The FFF this week is Chappell Roan.
Chappell, born Kayleigh Rose Amstutz in Missouri, is an American singer-songwriter known for song lyrics that embrace queer culture and for her bold makeup and costumes inspired by drag queens. Her music incorporates various styles, including synth-pop, rock, disco, and pop. She is the eldest of four children, attended Christian youth camps, and attended church three times a week. Chappell demonstrated music talent at an early age, taking piano lessons, joining her school’s choir and attending music camps. She soon performed in record label showcase events and earned a contract with Atlantic Records at age 17.
One year later she assumed her stage name, Chappell Roan, which honors her late grandfather Dennis Chappell and his favorite song, “The Strawberry Roan.”Chappell released her first EP with Atlantic, Atlantic Nights, and opened for other touring musicians. She moved to LAand began to work with producer and songwriter Dan Nigro with their first collaboration, “Pink Pony Club” soon released. In this new stage of her career, Roan rebranded her stage persona as a drag queen diva with a campy, over-the-top outfits and make-up opening on tour for Olivia Rodrigo who was also produced by Nigro. Following more singles including “My Kink Is Karma” and “Femininomenon,” Chappell embarked on a headline-making tour of her own including performances by local drag queens. Later that year her single “HOT TO GO!” was released accompanied by a music video featuring a dance reminiscent of Y.M.C.A. which quickly spread on social media.
Her debut LP, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, won the Grammy for the Best New Artist with the album receiving positive reviews from critics for its music elements and exuberant expressions of queerness. She was named Billboard Magazine’s Top New Artist of 2024, and she joined Rodrigo for another tour and singing background vocals The next turning point in her career was her performance at the Coachella music festival, where she dressed in a pink butterfly costume, with videos of her performances circulating online. Her single “Good Luck, Babe!” entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart and peaked at number four with her album reaching number two on the album chart.
Later that year Chappel was nominated for six Grammys, took home the Grammy for best new artist, has won an MTV video award, and won the BBC Sound of 2025 Award. She has also been outspoken about her struggles with depression, mood swings, and her sexuality, acknowledging and appreciating all the support she receives from her fans everywhere. Her powerful voice and music is full of her personal experiences, celebrates drag culture, theatrics, and celebrates the huge pop-concert traditions. Her influences include Stevie Nicks, Karen Carpenter, Lorde, Madonna, Beyonce, and Lady Gaga.
Chappell supports LGBTQ+organizations, the HRC, many trans organizations, and is the founder of the Midwest Princess Project, collaborates with MAC Cosmetics, and supports many other women’s and children’s advocacy groups. She lives in CA and is in a serious lesbian relationship.