Chappell Roan is finally having her moment in the spotlight, and it’s well deserved. The Missouri-born singer-songwriter has been making waves with her bold, theatrical performances, unapologetic self-expression, and, more recently, her unexpected dive into country music. If her trajectory is anything to go by, she’s not just a rising star—she’s a full-blown cultural force.
Roan first gained attention as a teenager by posting cover songs on YouTube, but it was her original songDie Young that changed everything, landing her a record deal with Atlantic Records at just 17. She released her debut EP, School Nights, in 2017 and toured with artists like Vance Joy and Declan McKenna. Her big breakthrough came in April 2024 with a standout performance at Coachella, where she commanded the main stage with her signature theatrical style. Fast forward to 2025 and she’s now a household name, earning multiple Grammy nominations for The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess—and taking home the award for Best New Artist.
Fashion that demands attention
Credit: @chappellroanhub on Instagram
Beyond her musical achievements, Roan has made waves in the fashion industry. Her style is characterized by bold choices and a fearless embrace of individuality. From her dazzling on-stage ensembles to her high-fashion red carpet looks, she consistently delivers looks that are both daring and thought-provoking.
One of her most talked-about ensembles was the all-green Statue of Liberty-inspired outfit she donned for the 2024 Governors Ball in New York City, complete with green body paint and a metallic crown headpiece. This look not only turned heads but also showcased her LGBTQIA advocacy. Before performing, she quoted the famous poem etched on Lady Liberty, stating, “[That poem] means freedom in trans rights, that means freedom in women’s rights…and it especially means freedom for all oppressed people in occupied territories.”
Her distinctive style has caught the attention of high-fashion designers, earning her front-row seats at this year’s Paris Fashion Week. At the Rick Owens runway show, Roan captivated audiences in Owens’ Prong gunmetal dress, featuring an off-the-shoulder design and a striking triangular cutout at the bust. Styled by Genesis Webb, she completed the look with colored contact lenses reminiscent of Air Optix Colors in gray. Makeup artist Andrew Dahling accentuated this ethereal appearance by adding unique black dot patterns above her eyebrows and along her cheeks, further enhancing the futuristic vibe.
Credit: @chappellroan on Instagram
This wasn’t the first time Roan’s eyewear choices were a focal point of her fashion narrative. In early March, she attended the 33rd Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards viewing party in West Hollywood. Paying homage to Sir Elton John, she adorned bedazzled tinted sunglasses similar to the Dolce & Gabbana DG4501 on the red carpet. The event reached a memorable peak when Roan and John performed a duet of her hit Pink Pony Club with John complementing the theme by wearing a pink cowboy hat paired with oversized square glasses.
Revolutionizing country music
Roan’s artistic evolution took a groundbreaking turn with her foray into country music. On March 13, she debuted The Giver, marking her entry into the genre. The song, a bold and fiddle-filled composition, has been embraced by fans as a “lesbian anthem.” Notably, Roan’s previous SNL performance of The Giver challenged traditional country music norms, infusing the genre with themes of empowerment and inclusivity.
In a candid interview, Roan discussed the creation of the new bop, highlighting the inherent campiness of country music. She and interviewer Kelleigh Bannen explored the genre’s queer undertones, noting that while country music has often been dominated by cisgender white men and women, its roots and many of its fans are deeply connected to the LGBTQIA community. Roan’s perspective pushes the envelope on the genre’s potential for inclusivity and the importance of representation within it.
A cultural icon in the making
At this point, Chappell Roan isn’t just a pop star or a country artist—she’s an icon in the making. She’s pushing boundaries in both music and fashion, bringing inclusivity and theatricality to everything she touches. Whether she’s taking over festival stages, reinventing country music, or rocking another jaw-dropping red carpet look, one thing is clear: Chappell Roan isn’t just here for a moment. She’s here to stay.
*We appreciate the support. As always, the views and opinions expressed here do not necessarily match those of Ear to the Ground Music or its editors.
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