Chappell Roan, born Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, is an openly queer pop artist who has rapidly gained recognition in the music industry.
She won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist on February 2, 2025, highlighting her impressive rise to fame after overcoming challenges, including being dropped by Atlantic Records.
Roan’s debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, released in 2023, features popular tracks like Good Luck, Babe! and received critical acclaim.
She gained significant visibility as the opening act for Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts Tour and made a splash at major music festivals.
In addition to her Grammy win, she was previously awarded Best New Artist at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards.
Parents
Chappell’s parents are Dwight and Kara Amstutz. They have been very supportive of her music career and personal journey.
Roan often expresses her gratitude for their encouragement, stating, “My parents are incredibly supportive”.
Kara is frequently acknowledged by Roan during performances.
The two share a close bond, highlighted by moments where Roan humorously shares dating advice her mother gave her, showcasing their relationship’s warmth and humor.
Dwight Amstutz, her father, also shares a strong connection with Roan. He has been visibly emotional during her performances, particularly when singing her hit Pink Pony Club, which resonates with their family’s experiences.
Despite the challenges that come with Roan’s fame, including security concerns due to stalking incidents, both parents remain proud and supportive of her achievements.
Career
Roan began her journey as a teenager, sharing music on YouTube, where she showcased her vocal talent through covers and original songs.
This early exposure helped her build a small but loyal following and laid the foundation for her future in the music industry.
In 2015, at just 17 years old, she signed with Atlantic Records, a major milestone that allowed her to produce and promote her music on a larger scale.
Her debut EP, School Nights, released in 2017, introduced her as an artist with a dark, moody sound and introspective lyrics, earning her critical attention.
Despite the promise of her early career, Roan faced significant challenges when she was dropped from Atlantic Records in 2020 after several singles failed to gain commercial traction.
This setback could have been devastating, but Roan used the opportunity to reflect on her identity and artistic direction.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she returned to her home state of Missouri and began to reevaluate what kind of artist she wanted to be.
It was during this time that she embraced her identity as a queer artist more fully, which became a defining aspect of her music and public persona.
She also began collaborating with songwriter and producer Dan Nigro, known for his work with Olivia Rodrigo.
In 2021, Roan experienced a breakthrough with the release of Pink Pony Club, a vibrant pop anthem celebrating queer culture and individuality.
Its success marked a turning point in her career, bringing her newfound recognition and establishing her as an emerging voice for LGBTQ+ representation in pop music.
Building on this momentum, Roan signed with Amusement Records (an imprint of Island Records) in 2023 and began working on her debut album.
