Chappell Roan: she’s your favorite artists’ favorite artist and a prolific figure not only in the music industry but in determining what it means to be a celebrity. Before being crowned a Midwest princess, Kayleigh Rose Amstutz was merely another aspiring singer-songwriter in Willard, Missouri. Today, TikTok feeds into Roan’s unprecedented fame by utilizing fifteen-second clips of entertainment. Roan’s first covers were posted on YouTube, where her voice garnered some attention and landed her a record deal with Atlantic Records at 17. Like many young artists, however, Roan’s EP “School Nights’” lacked the individuality and clarity to launch her career. Dropped by her label and forced to move back to her small midwestern town, Roan was unsupported, yet free — free to develop her signature sound, costume, and unapologetically fun personality that the world would soon fall in love with.
Similar to contemporaries like Sabrina Carpenter, Roan found overnight stardom and internet fame; as her tumultuous career indicates, though, her success is not by luck but sheer determination. The source of mainstream recognition: her release of the anthem, “Good Luck Babe.” Condescending in tone and upbeat in form, Roan addressed the heartbreak from “the one that got away.” The lyrics, while personal, especially resonated with queer audiences, creating a community beyond general popularity. This community, however, continues to blur celebration with control. Her greatest comparison, Lady Gaga, said that fame was a monster, but Roan, despite recent backlash, will not be the next victim.
The backlash in question? Roan’s recent response where she boldly stated, “I don’t care that this crazy type of behavior comes along with the job… That does not make it okay.” With select members of her fanbase stalking, harassing, and maintaining a false sense of ownership over Roan, “crazy” is an applicable adjective. Even with displays of inappropriate behavior, the public is split between celebrating her courage and deeming her ungrateful for speaking out. While Roan is not the first to experience exploitative fan treatment, she is, whether by choice or circumstance, the face of the ongoing parasocial relationship debate. We, as consumers, put in our AirPods, watch interviews, and attend concerts, seeking validation and representation. We know and love Chappell Roan. We do not, however, know Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, yet our obsessive interests in her as an artist are impeding upon her life as a person. Yes, celebrities are vulnerable to public praise and scrutiny, but they are not puppets for others to control, gate-keep, and exploit for personal entertainment — boundaries still apply.
Patterns indicate, however, that boundaries are meant to bend. Female celebrities cannot date, wear an outfit, make a face, or statement without microscopic attention. Additionally, it is best practice for women to be grateful for such attention and adapt to maintain it. Doja Cat, for example, faced major career setbacks following her significant appearance changes and disapproval of fan behavior. Similarly, Roan’s non-media-trained demeanor and dress do not align with the blond blowout of Sabrina Carpenter or the sequined bodysuit of Taylor Swift. This is not to criticize any female artists but instead to question why our definition of femininity is so rigid and why those who fail to conform to it — notably Roan — face inequitable backlash when rejecting fans’ toxic, possessive attention.
Of course, fandoms are not inherently detrimental to their respective artists. Roan’s drag-inspired dress has brought night-club celebrations to music festivals with millions of people. The “Hot To Go” cheer swept the nation, encouraging any and all to participate. Chappell Roan is truly a Femininomen: a voice that refuses to conform and aspires to unite. There are artists who you enjoy listening to and artists who have the skill set to respond to and even alter the pop cultural climate; Roan is the latter. Due to this, it is imperative that consumers give space, rather than suffocate her and her generational talent. Do not condone the supposedly inevitable rise and fall of the world’s favorite Midwest princess; support your favorite artists’ favorite artist before it’s too late.
