Chappell Roan, born Kayleigh Rose Amstutz on February 19, 1998, in Willard, Missouri, is an American singer-songwriter known for her theatrical pop style and candid exploration of queer identity. Raised in a conservative Christian household, Roan began her musical journey by uploading cover songs to YouTube as a teenager. At 16, she wrote the original song “Die Young,” which led to her signing with Atlantic Records at 17. She adopted the stage name Chappell Roan in honor of her late grandfather, Dennis Chappell, and his favorite song, “The Strawberry Roan“ .
Roan’s early career included the release of her debut single “Good Hurt” and the EP School Nights in 2017. After moving to Los Angeles in 2018, she collaborated with producer Dan Nigro, resulting in the 2020 single “Pink Pony Club,” inspired by her experiences in West Hollywood’s queer nightlife. Despite initial setbacks, including being dropped by her label, Roan persevered and released her debut studio album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, in September 2023. The album, which includes singles like “Naked in Manhattan” and “Red Wine Supernova,” received critical acclaim and commercial success, peaking at number two on the Billboard 200 and topping charts in several countries .
In 2025, Roan ventured into country music with the release of “The Giver,” a song that candidly addresses lesbian intimacy and debuted at number five on the Billboard Hot 100, marking her first top-40 debut. The track also debuted atop the Hot Country Songs chart, making her the third woman to achieve this feat with a first entry .
Roan’s dynamic performances and authentic storytelling have earned her recognition, including a nomination for Best New Artist at the 2025 Grammy Awards . She continues to captivate audiences with her unique blend of pop and country influences, solidifying her place as a rising star in the music industry.
