A New Era of Celebrity: Chappell Roan
By: Monica Ayesa Rodriguez
Chappell Roan’s meteoric rise to fame was anything but an overnight success. The Missouri born singer was signed to Atlantic Records at only 16 years old, only to be dropped following the release of her now iconic queer anthem “Pink Pony Club”, and independently produced her debut album “The Rise and Fall of the Midwest Princess”, releasing it under Island Records in September of 2023. It is abundantly clear that Roan is no stranger to the music industry, and the arduous process of unveiling art into the world.
Image Credit: Ryan Clemens
And yet, in 2024 Roan soared into stardom with her brazen showmanship, haunting vocals, and witty lyricism. By the end of the Summer Roan had pulled record numbers at her Lollapalooza performance and even performed her synth-pop comp-het hit “Good Luck, Babe!” in medieval garb at the VMAs.
Although millions yearn for the moment that they will reach the celebrity stratosphere, especially as rapidly and seamlessly as Roan has in the last nine months, this change has proven difficult for the “HOT TO GO!” singer.
Chappell Roan onstage at her record breaking Lollapalooza performance in Chicago, August 1st,2024
(Image Credit: @luxxienne on Instagram)
Following an incident in which a stalker had shown up at Roan’s childhood home, and a slew of intrusive interactions with “fans”, the artist took to her TikTok with a pair of now infamous videos. She called out the insane treatment of celebrities that society has normalized. While many supported her stance, recognizing the obsessive nature of fans and the tragic fates of famous women who have fallen victim to such social fixations, Roan also faced a wave of mocking and hateful criticism.
Critics of her position claimed that she “is not made for fame” and “unappreciative of her fans” because she would not allow the masses and the weight of likeability to beat her into submission like so many before her. Unlike many celebrities who accept or even embrace the pedestal they’re placed on, Roan challenges the current idea of fame itself.
It appears that most of the backlash came from indignation at the fact that Chappell Roan refuses to be put on a pedestal, the way many celebrities aspire to. She breaks the illusion of perfection and untouchability that clouds over many others in her same position, a sharp distinction from the sanitized and methodical image of someone like Taylor Swift, and she does so with a candor that is incredibly inspiring to some and insufferable to others.
Image Credit: CP Images
Regardless of what your opinion is on Chappell Roan and her music, it is undeniable that she refuses to be anything but herself, authentic through and through.
Roan never forgets to credit her influences, like your favorite drag queen’s favorite drag queen Sasha Colby, and has local drag queens open for her at each tour stop, a bold stance against the political and cultural villainization of trans individuals and drag queens. She has gone as far as to reject the Biden administration’s request to have her perform at a Pride event in the White House due to her support for the Palestinian people which the Biden administration is currently aiding and abetting a genocide against.
Chappell Roan is ushering in a new era of celebrity. Paving her own path as someone who stands firm in their dedication to their art and personhood, even if it means passing on “lucrative” opportunities. She illustrates to those in her industry, and worldwide, that authenticity is the lifeblood of great artists. That perfection cannot coexist with moving and powerful work.
(Image Credit: @luxxienne on Instagram)
In a time when seeking superhuman perfection is in vogue and women are pushed further and further into the mold through violent misogyny, Roan dares to be her raw human self. Regardless of the backlash Roan continually asserts her boundaries to whomever dares to cross them. She refuses to let fame consume her, to buy into the vanity of celebrity, and is a shining example of persevering through radical defiance to conform.
Strike Out,
Monica Ayesa Rodriguez
Editor: Carla Mendez
Monica Ayesa Rodriguez is a senior at Florida International University majoring in Liberal Arts Sociology. Currently serving as the Blog Director for Strike Magazine Miami, she's in her second semester writing for the publication. Monica's work analyzes pop culture trends and figures, exploring their reflection on broader societal issues. Her writing has been featured in Strike Miami's Print Issue 06 and is set to appear in the inaugural issue of Very Cool Sh*t Magazine. Additionally, Monica self-publishes on her Substack. When not writing, she pursues her passions for creating music, acting, screenwriting, and enjoying movies with her cat, Maggie.
instagram: @monicaayesarodriguez
