Chappell Roan Bio, Age, Height, Partner, Grammys, Career, Songs

chappell roan has emerged as the most compelling new voice in pop music, transforming from a bipolar, queer teenager in rural Missouri to a Grammy-winning cultural phenomenon. With her theatrical drag-inspired aesthetic, unapologetic lesbian identity, and genre-blending sound that merges 80s synth-pop with country storytelling, Roan has captured a generation’s imagination.

Her 2025 Best New Artist Grammy win—following years of industry rejection, mental health struggles, and financial hardship—represents not just personal triumph but a paradigm shift in how authenticity, queerness, and emotional vulnerability can translate to mainstream success.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Kayleigh Rose Amstutz was born on February 19, 1998, in Willard, Missouri, a small conservative town of approximately 6,000 residents near Springfield. Her upbringing in the Bible Belt would profoundly shape her artistic identity and struggles.

Family Background:

• Father: Dwight Amstutz (retired Naval Reservist, former ICU nurse)
• Mother: Kara Amstutz (veterinarian)
• Siblings: Three younger siblings (names kept private)
• Economic Status: Raised in a trailer park; modest means

Roan describes her childhood as marked by intense emotional volatility. “Being bipolar, I was so depressed as a little kid and so angry,” she told Daily Trojan. “You just think you’re such a bad person, and don’t realize that you’re really sick and need help.” Her parents, young college students when she was born, struggled to understand her behavioral challenges, often viewing her as simply “difficult” or “defiant.”

Religious Upbringing

The Amstutz family was deeply religious:

• Church attendance: Three times weekly
• Summer activities: Christian youth camps
• Community: Conservative, heteronormative environment

This religious framework created intense internal conflict for Roan as she began recognizing her queerness. “There’s a lot of churches, and there’s a lot of straight people with families, and it’s just really encouraged to take on the role of a wife and mother,” she explained to Polyester. “I tried to fit myself into that mold, and it didn’t work.”

Early Creative Expression

Despite—or perhaps because of—her struggles, Roan found solace in performance:

• Age 10: Began piano lessons
• Age 12: Started formal music training
• Age 13: Won school talent show performing “The Christmas Song”
• Age 14: Began writing original songs and uploading covers to YouTube

Musical Influences: Stevie Nicks, Karen Carpenter, lady gaga, Lana Del Rey, Kate Bush, ariana grande

Acting Aspirations: Originally planned to pursue acting, using music as a “foot in the door” to Hollywood. Took acting lessons in high school before abandoning this path for music.

Education

Willard High School:

• Graduated one year early through online classes at Brigham Young University
• Cross-country running: Provided outlet for energy and anger
• Talent show victory: Confirmed performance aspirations

The early graduation allowed her to pursue music full-time in Los Angeles at age 17.

The Name Transformation

In 2016, Kayleigh adopted her stage name to honor her late grandfather, Dennis K. Chappell, who passed away that year. “Chappell” came from his name, while “Roan” referenced his favorite song—the cowboy classic “The Strawberry Roan” by Curley Fletcher. This connection to her roots would later inform her “Midwest Princess” persona, blending rural authenticity with queer celebration.

Career Journey

YouTube Beginnings & Discovery (2014–2015)

At 14 years old, Roan began uploading original songs and covers to YouTube under her birth name. Her distinctive voice and emotional songwriting caught industry attention.

The “Die Young” Breakthrough:

• Wrote at age 16
• Performed at local Missouri fall festival
• Pitched to NYC and LA record executives
• Led to Atlantic Records signing at age 17 (2015)

Atlantic Records Era (2015–2020)

Debut EP: School Nights (2017)

• Released under Atlantic Records
• Featured “Good Hurt” as lead single
• Commercial performance: Underperformed; no chart impact
• Critical reception: Promising but overlooked

The Drop (August 2020): After three years without commercial breakthrough, Atlantic Records dropped Roan. The termination coincided with:

• End of 4.5-year relationship
• COVID-19 pandemic job market
• Financial desperation

The “Donut Shop” Era:

• Moved back to Willard, Missouri
• Worked as barista, production assistant, and donut shop employee
• Lived with parents; no health insurance
• Continued writing music independently

Independent Reinvention (2020–2022)

“Pink Pony Club” (April 2020):

• Self-released during pandemic
• Inspired by first visit to West Hollywood gay bar The Abbey
• Queer awakening anthem: Celebrates leaving conservative hometown for queer community
• Initial reception: Cult LGBTQ+ following; TikTok viral moments

The Abbey Experience: Roan described her first visit to The Abbey at age 21 as transformative: “The pendulum swung so far that I was like ‘Oh, no, no, no, I’m out and proud, and also I’m going to be a drag queen.'” This experience directly inspired “Pink Pony Club.”

Signing with Amusement/Island Records (2022):

• Publishing deal with Sony Music Entertainment
• Recording contract with Amusement Records (Island Records imprint)
• Relocated permanently to Los Angeles

The Breakthrough: The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess (2023–2024)

Album Release: September 22, 2023

• Debut studio album
• Producer: Dan Nigro (olivia rodrigo collaborator)
• Concept: Narrative arc of leaving Missouri, discovering queerness, navigating relationships

Singles & Impact:Table

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“Good Luck, Babe!” Phenomenon:

• Released April 5, 2024
• Peaked at #4 on Billboard Hot 100
• 4× Platinum certification
• Cultural moment: Became anthem for compulsory heterosexuality critique
• Grammy nominations: Song of the Year, Record of the Year

Touring Success:

• Naked in North America Tour (2023): First headlining tour
• Midwest Princess Tour (2024): Sold-out shows; $89,355 average per show
• Opening act: Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS World Tour (2024)

Grammy Triumph & Mainstream Recognition (2025)

67th Annual Grammy Awards (February 2, 2025):

• Won: Best New Artist
• Nominated: Album of the Year (The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess), Song of the Year (“Good Luck, Babe!”), Record of the Year (“Good Luck, Babe!”), Best Pop Vocal Album, Best Pop Solo Performance

Historic Acceptance Speech: Roan used her platform to advocate for artist welfare:

“I told myself, if I ever won a GRAMMY, and I got to stand up here in front of the most powerful people in music, I would demand that labels and the industry profiting millions of dollars off artists would offer a living wage and healthcare, especially to developing artists.”

She shared her personal experience of being dropped without job experience or health insurance during the pandemic, asking: “Labels, we got you, but do you got us?”

Country Crossover & Second Album (2025–Present)

“The Giver” (March 2025):

• Debut country single
• First performed on Saturday Night Live (November 2024)
• Chart performance: #1 Billboard Hot Country Songs; #5 Billboard Hot 100
• Significance: Third woman (after Beyoncé and bebe rexha) to top country chart with debut entry
• Theme: Lesbian intimacy in country music tradition

Second Album (TBA 2025/2026): Roan has teased diverse sonic palette:

• Country (“The Giver”)
• Dance tracks
• 80s-inspired songs
• Acoustic ballads
• 70s live-band organic sound

Most recently, she released “The Subway” and launched the limited Visions of Damsels & Other Dangerous Things Tour in October 2025, performing in only three cities including Kansas City, Missouri.

Career Stats & Discography

RIAA Certifications:

• “Good Luck, Babe!”: 4× Platinum
• “Pink Pony Club”: 2× Platinum
• “Red Wine Supernova”: 2× Platinum
• “Hot to Go!”: Platinum

Personal Life

Sexual Identity & Coming Out

Roan identifies as a lesbian and has been open about her journey:

Early Realization:

• 7th grade: First questioned sexuality (“Maybe I like girls. Girls are so much prettier.”)
• High school: Suppressed feelings; dated boys
• Age 21 (2019): Queer awakening at The Abbey in West Hollywood

Public Coming Out: Roan never made a formal “coming out” announcement; instead, she simply began living openly and referencing queer relationships in her music. Her authenticity has made her a role model for LGBTQ+ youth.

Current Relationship (2024–Present)

Status: In a serious relationship since September 2024 (as of March 2025)

Details:

• Met through mutual friend (not a setup)
• Roan made the first move
• Partner is “completely outside the industry”
• Described as “so awesome and so secure in herself”
• Roan: “I’m very in love”

Previous Relationships:

Unnamed Boyfriend (2016–2020):

• 4.5-year relationship
• Ended when Roan released “Pink Pony Club”
• Roan on dating men: “Just literally not fun. It’s not hot. It’s not interesting. It’s boring.”

Unnamed Girlfriend (2023):

• Revealed in Los Angeles Times profile
• Roan expressed fear: “I feel scared kissing her in public… homophobia is in the back of my head”
• Subject of song “Kaleidoscope” (friendship turned failed romance)

Situationship (Early 2024):

• Brief connection with girl outside industry
• Roan couldn’t commit due to fame demands: “I don’t want to date another artist because they’re fucking nuts”

Mental Health Journey

Bipolar II Disorder Diagnosis (2020):

• Diagnosed at age 22 (same year as label drop and breakup)
• Symptoms: Hypomanic episodes, severe depression, emotional dysregulation
• Treatment: Intensive outpatient therapy, medication, individual therapy 4 days/week

Impact on Career:

• Canceled performances to prioritize mental health
• Open about “bad days” with fans
• Therapy “saved” her and her family relationships

Fame & Mental Health (2024): Described rapid success as triggering: “Things have gotten overwhelming… I am really feeling it.” Entered intensive therapy before fame exploded, stating: “I would not have been able to handle any of this even a year ago.”

Family Relationships

Parents:

• Dwight Amstutz: Supportive of music career; military discipline background
• Kara Amstutz: Veterinarian; close relationship with Kayleigh

Reconciliation: After difficult childhood, Roan and parents repaired relationship through family therapy following her 2020 diagnosis. Roan credits their support for her survival during donut shop era.

Siblings: Three younger siblings; names kept private to protect their privacy.

Controversies & Public Debates

Fan Boundary Controversy (August 2024)

Roan posted viral statement about “predatory behavior disguised as ‘superfan’ behavior”:

“I don’t accept harassment of any kind because I chose this path… When I’m on stage, I’m at work. Any other circumstance, I am clocked out.”

Issues raised:

• Stalking of her and family
• Non-consensual physical contact
• Online bullying when refusing photos/hugs
• “Creepy” entitled fan behavior

Impact: Sparked industry-wide conversation about artist boundaries and parasocial relationships.

Political Stance & White House Controversy (2024)

White House Pride Declination (June 2024): Roan declined invitation to perform at White House Pride celebration, citing:

• Objections to administration’s transgender rights record
• Opposition to Israeli-Palestinian conflict handling

“We want liberty, justice, and freedom for all… When you do that, that’s when I’ll come.”

“Problems on Both Sides” Statement (September 2024): In The Guardian interview, Roan stated:

“I don’t have a side because I hate both sides, and I’m so embarrassed about everything going on right now.”

Clarification Video: After backlash, Roan clarified:

• Not voting for Trump
• Will always question those in power
• Stance rooted in opposition to war and systemic injustice, not partisan politics

Defense: Supporters noted her consistent advocacy, including fundraising for Palestinian aid at concerts.

Awards & Achievements

Major Wins:

• Grammy Award (2025): Best New Artist
• MTV Video Music Award (2024): Best New Artist
• Billboard (2024): Top New Artist of the Year

Nominations:

• Grammy Awards (2025): Album of the Year (The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess), Record of the Year (“Good Luck, Babe!”), Song of the Year (“Good Luck, Babe!”), Best Pop Solo Performance (“Good Luck, Babe!”), Best Pop Vocal Album (Midwest Princess)

Chart Records:

• First woman to debut at #1 on Hot Country Songs with first entry (since Beyoncé and Bebe Rexha)
• “Good Luck, Babe!” spent 29 weeks in Hot 100 top 10
• Midwest Princess spent 52+ weeks on Billboard 200

Physical Statistics

Style Signature:

• DIY costumes: Often designs own stage outfits
• Drag aesthetic: Describes persona as “drag version” of herself
• Theatrical makeup: Bold, artistic beauty looks
• Vintage influences: 80s/90s pop star aesthetics

Quotes

“I told myself, if I ever won a GRAMMY… I would demand that labels and the industry profiting millions of dollars off artists would offer a living wage and healthcare.” — Grammy acceptance speech, 2025

“Being bipolar, I was so depressed as a little kid and so angry. You just think you’re such a bad person, and don’t realize that you’re really sick and need help.” — On childhood mental health struggles

“I don’t have a side because I hate both sides, and I’m so embarrassed about everything going on right now.” — On political polarization, 2024

“I just thought it would be funny. It’s campy and it’s fun… I want to feel that because that’s how I write.” — On “The Giver” country crossover

“I’m usually the one who makes [the first move], like in every circumstance, I make the first move.” — On dating dynamics, 2025

Favorites

Food & Drink:

• Andy’s Frozen Custard (James Brownie Funky Jackhammer concrete)
• Gourmet burgers
• Hot cocoa (homemade)

Places:

• Kansas City, Missouri (first concert and drag show location)
• Hamburger Mary’s (Kansas City location—where she saw her first drag show)
• Café Corazón (Kansas City coffee shop)
• Her family cottage in rural Missouri

Activities:

• Crafting (sewing, crocheting, bedazzling)
• Hosting craft nights
• Gaming (The Sims, Fortnite, Mario)
• Vintage shopping

Music Influences:

• Kate Bush
• Stevie Nicks
• Alanis Morissette
• Lorde
• Lana Del Rey
• Caroline Polachek

Pets:

• Guinea pig named GoGo

Salary & Net Worth

Net Worth Progression

Income Breakdown (2025)

Per-Show Earnings:

• Pre-Grammy: ~$50,000
• Post-Grammy: $150,000–$200,000 (tripled after Best New Artist win)

Notable Financial Philosophy: Roan deliberately maintains minimal brand partnerships compared to peers, prioritizing artistic authenticity over commercial deals. This “scarcity premium” strategy increases her cultural value.

Interesting Facts

1. The Guinea Pig: Roan owns a guinea pig named GoGo, surprising fans who expect her wild stage persona to extend to her home life.
2. Gamer Girl: Her favorite pastime is “get really high and play Fortnite or Mario”—a stark contrast to her glamorous public image.
3. DIY Aesthetic: For years, she handmade all her bedazzled stage outfits. Even recent collaborative looks begin with her own concepts and designs.
4. America’s Got Talent Rejection: At 14, she auditioned for AGT and was rejected—a setback that pushed her toward YouTube and original songwriting.
5. The Sims Connection: She’s an avid Sims player, occasionally referencing the game in interviews as a stress-relief mechanism.
6. Craft Night Host: She hosts weekly craft nights at her Los Angeles home, inviting friends for hot cocoa and creative projects.
7. Nanny Background: Before music supported her financially, she worked as a nanny—experience that informed her observations about parenting.
8. First Drag Show: She saw her first drag show at Hamburger Mary’s in Kansas City, an experience that fundamentally shaped her artistic vision.
9. VHS Aesthetic: The lyric video for “The Giver” uses VHS menu graphics, hinting at nostalgic influences in her visual presentation.
10. Five-Year Album Cycle: She told Vogue in 2025 that her sophomore album likely won’t arrive until 2030 at the earliest, as she requires five years to write meaningful material.

Did You Know?

• Chappell Roan was making espresso drinks at a donut shop in Missouri just two years before winning a Grammy
• She graduated high school one year early to pursue music at age 17
• Her signature red hair is dyed; her natural color is dark brown
• She doesn’t have a driver’s license (as of 2024 interviews)
• Her first kiss with a girl happened after writing “Pink Pony Club”—the song predicted her future
• She turned down the White House before becoming a household name
• Her booking rate tripled immediately after her Grammy win
• She writes all her own songs with producer Dan Nigro
• Her fans are called “Roan Rangers”
• She cites Sasha Colby (drag queen) as a major influence and friend

Social Media Links

• Instagram: @chappellroan (8+ million followers)
• TikTok: @chappellroan (7+ million followers)
• YouTube: Chappell Roan (2+ million subscribers)
• X (Twitter): @ChappellRoan (active)
• Facebook: @ChappellRoan (verified page)
• Spotify: Chappell Roan (48+ million monthly listeners)

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Chappell Roan?
Chappell Roan was born on February 19, 1998, making her 27 years old as of 2026.

What is Chappell Roan’s real name?
Her birth name is Kayleigh Rose Amstutz. She adopted “Chappell Roan” to honor her late grandfather Dennis Chappell and his favorite song, “The Strawberry Roan.”

How tall is Chappell Roan?
She stands approximately 5’1″ to 5’2″ (155–157 cm), though she often appears taller on stage due to platform footwear and heels.

Is Chappell Roan married?
No, she is not married. She is currently dating a woman who works outside the entertainment industry, though she keeps her partner’s identity private.

What is Chappell Roan’s net worth?
As of 2026, her estimated net worth is $10 million, accumulated through streaming royalties, touring, and merchandise sales.

Why did Chappell Roan decline the White House invitation?
In June 2024, she refused to perform at the White House Pride celebration, citing concerns about the Biden administration’s support for Israel and policies affecting transgender rights.

What was Chappell Roan’s breakout song?
While “Pink Pony Club” (2020) established her within queer communities, “Good Luck, Babe!” (2024) was her mainstream breakthrough, reaching #4 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Is Chappell Roan a lesbian?
Yes, she is openly lesbian and frequently incorporates sapphic themes and queer identity into her music and public persona.

Why did Chappell Roan get dropped from Atlantic Records?
Atlantic dropped her in 2020 after her EP and early singles underperformed commercially. She has since spoken about the creative differences and the label’s discomfort with her artistic direction.

What is Chappell Roan’s most recent song?
As of late 2025, her most recent releases are “The Giver” (March 2025), her country pivot that hit #1 on Hot Country Songs, and “The Subway” (late 2024/early 2025).

When is Chappell Roan’s next album coming out?
She has indicated that her sophomore album likely won’t arrive until around 2030, as she requires approximately five years to write material she considers worthwhile.

How much does Chappell Roan make per show?
Post-Grammy, her booking fee ranges from $150,000 to $200,000 per show, triple her pre-award rate of approximately $50,000.

Conclusion

Chappell Roan’s journey from a depressed teenager in rural Missouri to Grammy-winning pop icon represents a triumph of authenticity over industry expectations. Her refusal to compromise—whether in declining brand deals that don’t align with her values, setting strict boundaries with fans, or taking five years to craft her next album—demonstrates an artist prioritizing longevity over immediate gratification.

With $10 million in net worth, 6+ billion streams, and a devoted fanbase she calls “kittens,” Roan has proven that queer narratives can dominate mainstream culture without dilution. Her “Midwest Princess” persona—blending rural roots with drag aesthetics, Christian upbringing with lesbian celebration—offers a vision of pop stardom that is simultaneously fantastical and deeply real.

As she continues developing her sophomore album and expanding into country music with “The Giver,” Chappell Roan stands as a defining voice of her generation: unfiltered, uncompromising, and utterly unforgettable. Whether crafting at home with her guinea pig GoGo or commanding festival stages in full drag, she remains the “random bitch” from Willard who dared to dream bigger than her small town could contain.

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