After a year that saw her rise from breakout artist to award-winning star, Chappell Roan attributes her success to one key factor: "Fearlessness."
In an interview with BBC Radio 1's Jack Saunders, the Pink Pony Club singer revealed that she's never afraid to follow her own artistic vision. Known for her bold drag aesthetic, extravagant costumes, and powerful lyrics, Chappell has proven that she's fearless not only in her music but also in speaking out on issues close to her heart, even when it means facing criticism.
"I think that's so necessary," she says. "Being able to break the rules."
Chappell doesn’t see herself as an outlier in pushing boundaries. She looks up to artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX—whom she’ll be performing alongside at this summer’s Primavera festival—and calls them the "Powerpuff Girls" of pop.
"I don't think any of us were thinking, 'What's going to change music? What's going to blow people's minds?'" the 27-year-old explains about her music release last year. "I think we all made albums that blew our own minds. That's why it works so well for all of us—because we’re just doing our own thing. Let there be a new path for girls who want to break the rules."
Chappell has long been outspoken about embracing her rebellious side, previously telling the BBC, “I’d be more successful if I wore a muzzle," after making waves last year. She's also had her fair share of controversy, from swearing at paparazzi on the red carpet to criticizing fans' "creepy" behavior, canceling shows last minute, and calling out the music industry for failing to support artists. But with her recent success, she feels she, along with Charli and Sabrina, can help shape the future of music.
Chappell’s debut album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess earned her recognition as Best New Artist at the Grammys and Radio 1’s Sound of 2025. Charli XCX’s Brat, which became a summer favorite, won Best Album at the Brit Awards, earned Grammy recognition, and received a Mercury Prize nomination. Sabrina’s singles “Espresso” and “Please Please Please” from Short ‘n’ Sweet broke records and won the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album.
For Chappell, performing at Primavera Sound in Barcelona was a dream come true. "I came out of retirement to play that show," she shares. "I had decided to take half the year off, but I couldn’t resist. It was like a pop-girly festival—so cool."
Throughout her career, Chappell has often been compared to Lady Gaga, an artist who has had a profound impact on her journey. "One of the first songs I downloaded on my iPod was 'Bad Romance.' Talk about fearless," she says.
But it was Gaga’s 2009 hit “Alejandro” and its provocative music video filled with religious imagery that truly shaped Chappell’s path. “I could not believe her,” she recalls. “Whenever I watched Alejandro, I thought I was doing something bad as a Christian. I was like, ‘Oh my God, this is a sin.’ And then a fire lit in me. I was like, ‘No, this is actually heaven. This is where I’m meant to be.’”
Lady Gaga’s upcoming tour in support of her new album Mayhem will be her first North American and European tour since 2022. For Chappell, it’s a reminder of how much Gaga has influenced her.
“It was Gaga, and witnessing her at the age that I was, that set off a domino effect that led me to where I am now,” Chappell says. “Talk about breaking new ground. It’s so inspirational.”
