Chappell Roan is experiencing an extraordinary year. Her infectious tunes dominate TikTok, her tour dates attract record-breaking crowds, and her presence on the Billboard charts is unmissable. Yet, Roan’s meteoric rise to fame is not a sudden occurrence but the culmination of a decade-long journey marked by perseverance and self-discovery.
Roan’s story begins in Willard, Missouri, where she first honed her musical talents performing at local events. At just 16, she released her debut EP under her birth name, Kayleigh Rose, catching the attention of Australian pop sensation Troye Sivan, who praised her song “Die Young.” This endorsement led to a record deal with Atlantic Records when she was 17, marking the start of her career as Chappell Roan, a name inspired by her late grandfather.
The early years of Roan’s career saw a mix of success and struggle. Her debut EP, “School Nights,” released in 2017, showcased her unique voice and dark, emotional lyrics. Although she supported established artists like Vance Joy and Declan McKenna on tour, her music faced challenges, including a label dispute during the COVID-19 pandemic. Atlantic Records dropped her in August 2020, forcing her to move back to Missouri and work at a drive-thru while continuing to develop her sound independently.
The turning point came with her reemergence on TikTok, where Roan used the platform to share her music and engage with fans. By March 2022, she signed a publishing deal with Sony and later joined Olivia Rodrigo and Fletcher on tour. Her first headline tour, “Naked in North America,” in February 2023, was a sell-out success. That September, her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwestern Princess, was released to critical acclaim, cementing her as a significant new voice in pop music.
In 2024, Roan’s star ascended even higher. Her performances at festivals like Coachella and Governors Ball, along with viral hits such as “Good Luck, Babe!” and “HOT TO GO!”, brought her mainstream recognition. Despite some challenges, including dealing with intrusive fans, Roan has maintained her integrity and commitment to her craft.
As Roan prepares for her debut at the MTV Video Music Awards, her journey from a small-town performer to a pop sensation exemplifies a remarkable rise to stardom, reflecting both her talent and resilience.
