Those active on social media lately have most likely heard of Chappell Roan. Roan has become a unique kind of pop star, and her rise to fame has caught the attention of listeners across the nation. Originally from Willard, Missouri, Roan had a small upbringing. Her path towards success was slow and steady, but this hard work to fame is what has rightly propelled her career into what it is now.
Roan began her music career at an early age, performing small gigs in her home-town and releasing songs online. After catching the attention of a record label, Roan released her debut extended play, “School Nights” in 2017. Instead of sticking to one sound, however, she ingeniously decided to explore her range. She began to experiment and explore different genres, influencing her debut album, “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.” A skill that fans love in Roan is her ability to experiment and conquer different music genres, which has shaped her into the unique artist she is today.
“A lot of my friends listen to [Roan] and tell me about how her music is super unique. People say she’s like those old pop-stars from the 80’s since her stage presence is really good,” freshman Irene Sanchez said.
The song which many say caused her fame is “Pink Pony Club”, this song discusses themes of self-acceptance and is seen as a metaphor for a safe space to feel free in any space, appealing to teenagers and their sense of identity and expression. The song and its message boosted Roan’s fame and image, as her main audience grew to become young adults, who were now motivated to be their true selves instead of putting up a facade.
“I have been listening Chappell’s music for a while and her songs have always stuck with me. Her music is relatable and make me feel free to be myself,” freshman Genesis Flores-Sosa said.
Another aspect of Roan’s fame that motivates students is the fact that it was not instant, given by the fact that she did not pop up on social media overnight. Instead, Roan took the time and put in the work to grow her image and fame rather than making a one-hit-wonder. Her journey shows that building a career can take dedication, which is a valuable lesson for listeners.
“I have heard a lot about Chappell Roan and even though I do not really listen to her music much, I think she’s a very influential person for teenagers all over the world,” sophomore Jammie Obando said.
Her path to success serves as a reminder about the importance of dedicating time to self-discovery, regardless of the amount of time spent waiting Roan’s approach is found to be encouraging to high schoolers, who may feel under pressure to achieve success rapidly. She successfully serves as proof that sometimes, taking a longer route can guide people to a more important place.
Something else that adds to the appeal of Roan are her fan interactions, as she is increasingly active and social with her listeners, often engaging with them on social media. She shares the positives and negatives of her life, unfiltered and honestly, on her social media platforms, a quality rare for many celebrities. Consequently, openness is greatly appreciated and yet another tactic that makes her stand out from other pop stars.
“Honestly, Roan is one of the first pop stars I have seen that try their hardest to interact with fans. I constantly see posts about her trying to make fans feel more seen; it’s refreshing,” freshman Melina Morales said.
Recently, Roan has faced some backlash due to recent comments she made about fans’ “creepy behavior.” In an Instagram post, she talked about instances where she felt her boundaries were crossed by radical behavior. Some fans thought her comments were harsh, while supporters thought it was smart that she setting a line between her and fans and protecting her personal space. This incident, though a setback, highlights her commitment to maintaining a healthy relationship with her fans.
Looking ahead, however, Roan’s career shows zero signs of slowing down as she continues to perform for her fans. Rumors of another album are already circulating as well, keeping fans excited for what is next. As she continues to grow as an artist, her authenticity and dedication will undoubtedly continue to remain a key to her success.
