Chappell Roan: The Rise of a Midwest Princess

Written by Nora Soulje

As summer fades and fall approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the music that
defined our sunny days and late-night drives. This season was a standout for women in music, with hits from Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX, Billie Eilish, and more. But one artist, in particular, caught our attention and skyrocketed to fame: the Midwest’s own Chappell Roan.

If her name hasn’t already caught your ear, it will soon. Chappell Roan – her stage name, a tribute to her grandfather, blends “Chappell,” his last name with “Roan,” a word taken from his favorite song “The Strawberry Roan” by Curley Fletcher – born Kayleigh Rose Amstutz in Willard, Missouri, has always had music in her veins. She began singing at a young age, quickly developing a passion for performance. Her rise to stardom began on YouTube, where she gained an audience with her blend of pop and indie sensibilities. Her big break came in 2017 when she signed with Atlantic Records and released her debut EP, School Nights. However, her career
really took off after she went independent during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This summer marked a turning point for Roan with the release of her breakout single, “Good Luck, Babe”. The song’s catchy melody, raw lyrics, and fresh take on a breakup anthem have made it a cultural phenomenon. It resonates deeply with listeners for its candid portrayal of heartbreak from a sapphic perspective, offering powerful representation in an industry that often sidelines LGBTQIA+ narratives. “Good Luck, Babe” has become an anthem for those who have loved and lost, capturing the raw emotion of heartbreak while breaking barriers for sapphic
representation in mainstream media.

At the heart of Chappell Roan’s recent success is her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess. This album is more than just a collection of songs—it’s a love letter to her roots and a deep dive into themes of identity, love, and heartbreak. With tracks ranging from upbeat anthems like “Naked in Manhattan” and “Pink Pony Club” to introspective ballads like “California,” Roan takes listeners on a journey through her world, portraying the complexities of growing up queer in the Midwest while dreaming of something bigger.

With her growing popularity and the success of The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, Chappell Roan is set to continue her ascent in the music world. She represents a new generation of artists who are redefining what it means to be a pop star: authentic, relatable, and unapologetically themselves. As she continues to write and perform, fans eagerly anticipate what’s next for this Midwest princess turned pop sensation.