Chappell Roan Speaks on Criticism and Fame
Chappell Roan, an up-and-coming pop star, has encountered a wave of criticism as she navigates her way to success.
After stepping back from two music festivals due to harassment concerns related to her family home and confronting a photographer during the MTV VMAs, the 26-year-old singer of "Good Luck Babe!" faced backlash labeling her as "unprofessional" and suggesting she is "not built for fame."
Despite the criticism, Roan remains dedicated to being herself.
In a recent interview with the BBC, released on January 19, 2025, Roan discussed her determination for self-advocacy, even if it poses challenges to her career.
She stated, "I've been responding that way to disrespect my whole life − but now there are cameras on me, and I also happen to be a pop star, and those things don't match. It's like oil and water."
Roan's talent has been recognized with six Grammy nominations, including best new artist and album of the year. She believes her frankness has somehow affected her rise in the music industry.
"I think, actually, I'd be more successful if I was OK wearing a muzzle," she commented. "If I were to suppress my instincts, I would be bigger... and I would still be on tour right now."
Making a difficult choice, Roan ended her Midwest Princess tour early last year to put her mental and physical health first.
Diagnosed with bipolar disorder, she acknowledges the difficulties that come with managing her emotions and adapting to her newfound fame.
Before her Grammy-nominated album, "The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess," she openly shared her mental health journey and experiences with her fans regarding her rapid rise to prominence.
In a TikTok video from May 2023, Roan remarked, "This career path presents significant challenges in maintaining a balanced life and mental wellbeing. Everything is incredibly exciting at the moment, but I'm discovering that success actually triggers discomfort and self-doubt in me, and I'm still processing why that might be."
During the BBC interview, she addressed feelings of performance anxiety, reminding herself that opportunities aren’t scarce. "So when someone says, ‘Do this concert because you'll never get offered that much money ever again,' it's like, who cares?" she asserted.
However, Roan also confessed that the appreciation she receives from fans is more captivating than she ever expected. "I understand why I'm so scared to lose this feeling," she admitted. "It's terrifying to think that one day people won't care about you as much as they do right now − and I think (that feeling) resonates differently for women than men."
She stated that she harbors no regrets about her choices, emphasizing to the BBC that how she defines success and failure is beyond her control. "If I can look back and say, ‘I did not crumble under the weight of expectation, and I did not stand for being abused or blackmailed,' at least I stayed true to my heart. There are always options."
pop, criticism, fame