A new musical is hitting up town – and she just recently the VMAs! It’s none other than Chpaell Roan! Her debut album, The Rise of a Midwest Princess, has a bold sound and been a hit with many, solidifying her shining star in the music industry.
However, audiences adore Roan for many reasons. Her songs marry catchiness and brutal honesty – and what you see is what you get! We’ve compiled a list of reasons why she is worth adoring. Read more to learn more!
Her Impact
Her stardom has impacted pop culture and the way queer people are represented. She embraces and is loud about her queerness – and incorporating it into her artistry. Her openness inspired others to be honest and open about their identity. Thanks to her presence and visibility in mainstream media, acts where queerness is used for shock value, such as Katy Perry’s scissoring stunt, is cheapened.
However, her passion for queer identity goes skin-deep; she champions drag culture, which is an art form that has LGTQ+ roots through hiring excellent drag performers onstage with her, and through donating ticket sales portions to LGBTQ+ charities. In addition, she makes sure that prices for her merchandise and tickets are accessible, which helps foster a strong connection with her queer fanbase.
Her stage name, Chapell Roan, is her “drag version.” This then blurs the lines between performer, singer, and the person behind Chapell Roan. Roan is campy, with over-the-top outfits from history and cultural references, bold makeup, and an assured stage presence with her unapologetic spirit.
The Way She Depicted Compulsory Heteronormativity
Sad Gay? That’s already been overdone. People want to see more – no coming out songs, not abut the lost time, and not about how sad it is to be gay. Coming out-related material has came out already and requires a lot of mass appeal.
Good Luck Babe, however, is an exciting and powerful song. It’s the song Roan became famous for. It’s a song about compulsory heteronormativity. Her other songs are about heartbreak and relationships but don’t cross the “sad gay” boundary the way other songs can be. The queerness aspect is not treated as a novelty like online bingo, which is great.
Good Luck Babe is about the story of missed chances – because of compulsory heteronormativity. It’s a knife to the soul, a tribute to the what-ifs and a reminder of how crippling heteronormativity can be.
She Keeps It Real
Lastly, no one else keeps its real other than Chapell Roan! One of the issues we currently face is the genocide of Palestinian people; other famous faces such as Nicola Coughlan have been raising awareness about the genocide. Chapell Roan sells signed risographs; their proceeds go towards Palestinian aid efforts.
Roan has also been candid about her struggle with fame. She has made it clear she wants boundaries after being sexually assaulted and stalking her family and friends. She has no problems telling the paparazzi to shut up and leave her alone.
Wrapping Up
Chapell Roan is a unique artist whose casual presence marks greater acceptance and visibility among queer artists. Her rise to fame shows there is a place for diverse voices. She is an inspiration and the picture of authenticity – just what this generation needs.