Chappell Roan, an emerging force in the indie-pop and dark-pop music scene, has been making waves with her distinctive style and powerful storytelling. With an estimated net worth of $6 million as of 2024, Roan’s success is a testament to her resilience, talent, and ability to connect deeply with her audience. Her journey, from humble beginnings in a conservative Midwest town to the bright lights of Los Angeles, is one of determination, setbacks, and ultimate triumph.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born as Kayleigh Rose Amstutz on February 19, 1998, in Willard, Missouri, Chappell Roan grew up in a deeply religious and conservative household. The youngest of four children, she was raised by her father, Dwight Amstutz, a registered nurse, and her mother, Kara Amstutz, a veterinarian. Despite her structured upbringing, Roan discovered her love for music early on, learning to play the piano at the age of ten.
At 14, she auditioned for America’s Got Talent, but her attempt to break into the music industry at such a young age was unsuccessful. Not one to be discouraged, she began posting original music on YouTube at the age of 15. Her song “Die Young” attracted the attention of music executives, leading to her first major break when she was signed by Atlantic Records at just 17.
A Tribute to Family: The Birth of Chappell Roan
After securing a record deal, she decided to adopt the stage name Chappell Roan in honor of her late grandfather, Dennis Chappell, who had passed away from brain cancer. His favorite song, “The Strawberry Roan,” by cowboy composer Curley Fletcher, served as the inspiration behind her new identity as an artist.
In 2017, she released her debut album, School Nights, which introduced her unique, theatrical style of pop music. Shortly thereafter, she moved to Los Angeles, embracing her identity as a proud lesbian and openly living her truth. In 2018, she toured with British singer-songwriter Declan McKenna, further growing her fan base.
The Struggles and Comeback
Despite a promising start, Roan faced significant challenges in 2020 when her singles Love Me Anyway and California failed to meet Atlantic Records’ expectations. The label dropped her that same year, marking a major setback in her career. Around the same time, she was diagnosed with bipolar II disorder, adding another layer of difficulty to her personal and professional struggles.
Returning to Missouri, Roan took a job at a drive-through while independently working on her music. Instead of giving up, she used this period as a time for reflection and growth, ultimately preparing herself for a comeback.
A New Beginning: The Rise of a Midwest Princess
In 2022, Roan returned to Los Angeles and resumed her music career, working independently while juggling jobs as a production assistant and a barista at a donut shop. That March, she signed a publishing deal with Sony Music Entertainment and released Naked in Manhattan, a song NPR described as a “queer girl bop.” The single resonated with fans, and soon after, she was chosen as the opening act for Olivia Rodrigo and Fletcher on their respective tours.
The following year, she embarked on her first headlining tour, Naked in North America, where she selected drag queens as her opening acts, reinforcing her commitment to LGBTQ+ representation in the music industry. Later in 2023, she signed with Amusement Records, a sub-label of Island Records, and released her first full-length album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess. The album received critical acclaim, landing on Rolling Stone, TIME, Billboard, and Vogue‘s lists of the best albums of the year.
Breakout Success: Good Luck, Babe! and Festival Performances
In 2024, Roan reached a new milestone when she was named as the opening act for Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts World Tour. Her visibility skyrocketed after her guest appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, further cementing her status as a rising star.
April 2024 saw the release of Good Luck, Babe!, a track about a woman struggling to suppress her homosexual feelings. The song quickly gained traction, amassing over seven million streams in its first week. It debuted at #77 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of her most commercially successful releases. By June, Good Luck, Babe! climbed to the Billboard Top Ten charts, further solidifying Roan’s place in pop music.
Her festival circuit appearances also contributed to her growing fame. She performed at Coachella, Governors Ball Music Festival, Boston Calling, Bonnaroo, and Lollapalooza, where she drew one of the festival’s largest crowds, despite not being a headliner. Due to overwhelming demand, her set at Bonnaroo had to be moved to a larger stage to accommodate her rapidly growing fanbase.
Advocacy and Political Stance
Roan has been vocal about her beliefs and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. In June 2024, she publicly declined an invitation to perform at the White House’s annual Pride celebration, citing concerns over transgender rights and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. She stated that she did not believe liberty, justice, and freedom for all currently existed, and her decision to decline was rooted in those principles.
Beyond her personal stances, she has also used her platform to give back. During her Midwest Princess Tour, she donated one dollar from every ticket sale to For the Gworls, a nonprofit organization that assists Black transgender individuals with medical expenses, gender-affirming surgeries, and rent support.
Influences and Unique Style
Roan has cited Kate Bush, Stevie Nicks, Lorde, and Lana Del Rey as her primary musical inspirations. However, her aesthetic and theatrical performances are heavily influenced by drag culture, horror movies, and burlesque. She has described her style as a mix of “pretty and scary,” a reflection of her love for blending beauty with the unconventional.
Personal Life and Future Prospects
Chappell Roan has been open about her sexuality and announced that while she has dated both men and women in the past, she now identifies strictly as a lesbian. Her commitment to authenticity and visibility in the LGBTQ+ community has earned her a dedicated following.
With her growing success, increasing festival bookings, and a dedicated fan base, Roan’s trajectory suggests that her net worth and influence will only continue to rise. As she prepares for future releases and tours, she remains a beacon of resilience, self-expression, and empowerment in the music industry.
Chappell Roan is not just a rising star—she is a movement.