Way Bigger" If She Wore "a Muzzle

Good luck to anyone who expects Chappell Roan to be anyone but herself.

The artist famously known as the “Red Wine Supernova,” who’s been vocal about the truths of stardom ever since she shot to prominence a year ago, asserted that she would receive even greater acclaim if she were not as open with her opinions.

In a recent interview with The BBC, Chappell expressed that he believes he could achieve even greater success if he were able to suppress his initial impulses. He suggested that by overriding more of his instincts when they tell him to halt or stop, he could grow and become more successful.

The 26-year-old, who recently missed multiple music festivals due to a focus on her wellbeing, also mentioned, “If things had gone differently, I’d be much larger in size… And I’d still be out on tour at this moment.

Kayleigh Rose Amstutz (also known as Chappell) attributes valuable guidance from her late grandfather, Dennis Chappell, for influencing the advice she uses when considering whether to embark on a new project or opportunity.

She often reflects on a statement he made that has influenced her career decisions: “There are always alternatives.” Therefore, when someone advises her to perform a concert due to the potential one-time financial offer, she doesn’t see it as significant.

Chappell noted, “If I’m not up for it at the moment, there are plenty of alternatives available. Opportunities aren’t scarce – they’re abundant, a thought that often crosses my mind.

The artist behind the popular hit “HOT TO GO!” also discussed the viral incident where she cursed at a photographer during the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards red carpet in September. She emphasized that although she has always defended herself, it garners more attention and controversy now that she’s famous.

Chappell expressed his thoughts by saying, “As I observed, it struck me that this is what passes as acceptable behavior regularly? And yet, I’m expected to remain conventional? This isn’t right; it’s absurd!” He went on to explain that he has always reacted in such a manner to disrespect, but now, with cameras following him and his status as a prominent musician, it’s like oil and water.

The Grammy-nominated individual pondered over the entirety of their connection to the transient aspects of popularity.

She contemplated, “Many believe that fame represents the ultimate achievement in life since, after all, what else could one desire more than being admired? It’s clear why I feel apprehensive about giving up this sensation.

Reflecting on this thought, Chappell added, “It’s quite unsettling to ponder the possibility that at some point, people might value you less than they do currently.” He also noted that this concern seems to resonate more deeply within women compared to men.

After the day is done, the “Femininomenon” artist desires to be content with how she managed her time under the limelight.

She expressed that if she could reflect and say, ‘I didn’t yield under the pressure of expectations, nor tolerate mistreatment or extortion,’ then she remained loyal to her heart. Earlier, I mentioned that there’s always a choice.

Keep reading for more about Chappell.

It might appear as if Chappell Roan suddenly emerged on the music scene, but in reality, she’s been creating music since high school. Born and raised in Missouri, she began sharing covers and original compositions on YouTube. Atlantic Records eventually discovered her talent during her senior year, an achievement that didn’t seem quite impressive to her peers at Willard High School.

In her interview with Amazon Music in November 2023, she disclosed that they broadcasted the announcement: “Congratulations Kayleigh Amstutz on signing to Atlantic Records, and by the way, it’s lunch…it’s pizza.

Your favorite artist’s favorite artist turned to her family when coming up with her alter ego.

The individual who is known by the stage name was actually born Kayleigh Rose Amstutz on February 19, 1998, in Willard, Missouri. However, she never felt a strong bond with her given name and revealed that she derived inspiration for her identity from the music her grandfather cherished most.

Back in August 2022, I shared with Cherwell that my cherished grandfather was Dennis K. Chappell. To honor his legacy, I adopted his surname myself. You see, before he left us in 2016 due to brain cancer, I made a promise to him – I would carry the Chappell name. The name Roan comes from one of his favorite songs, “The Strawberry Roan,” an old Western tune about a unique red horse. It’s a deeply emotional choice for me.

Growing up, Chappell attended church multiple times a week, a ritual that made her feel trapped.

In a conversation with Variety back in September 2023, I shared my sentiments. I yearned to experience the sense of being a virtuous individual, yet there existed within me an irresistible longing for freedom. I often found myself slipping away secretly, but I maintained my religious commitments by attending church services three times a week. It was this intriguing duality – striving to be a model young lady while harboring the desire to ignite mischief.

In terms of my current religious journey, I, as the “Kaleidoscope” singer, have found myself moving away from organized religion. Yet, I carry with me a deep sense of gratitude for the insights and perspectives it has bestowed upon me.

In September 2023, she shared with Vanity Fair that she no longer aligns with the Christian Church at this point in time, but she’s grateful for her past involvement because she can empathize with their beliefs. She explained, “I get their perspective; I know where they’re coming from. When it comes to complex issues that baffle many, I have a distinct take on them.

This midwestern princess was almost a Mid-WED-stern princess.

In a TikTok post from July 2023, she shared that she’s been on the verge of marriage twice, but she prefers to keep further details private.

Although specifics about her past relationships are scarce, the performer known as “Hot to Go” has never hesitated to cast subtle jabs at her exes. Before taking the stage to sing her hit song “My Kink is Karma” at the 2024 Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, she delivered a fiery missive to one of her past lovers.

She declared that the tune was intended as a tribute to her former partner. “What’s it like,” she mused, “to transform into all you detested, while I evolved into everything I aspired for.

And at a later performance she spoke directly to her ex’s new fiancé.

She mentioned that she’s dedicating the tune to her former partner, who boasted about dating her at a local bar back in her hometown. This song is essentially a hint for their current partner – it might be time for them to end things.

Initially, Chappell’s first album was intended to be called “Femininomenon“, similar to her 2022 single. However, Chappell found that fans might struggle with the pronunciation and opted for a different title. She eventually chose “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” as it reflects her roots in the Midwest region.

She told Variety, “I felt compelled to include the Midwest in my work as it’s such a significant element for my project. It shapes my music, my style, the lyrics I write, and the overall vibe. I want to convey the Midwestern essence authentically, as it’s an integral part of who I am. At one point, I thought I had lost that aspect of myself, but now, I no longer feel that way.

The revised title more accurately portrays the narrative of Chappell, who abandoned her hometown in Missouri to chase a career in music in Los Angeles, as depicted in the album.

After being signed to Atlantic Records for five years, Chappell was dropped by the label in 2020.

According to her, the problem was that they believed her song “Pink Pony Club,” which she collaborated on with producer Dan Nigro, might not do well during the pandemic or fit the “gothic” style of her music at the moment.

She shared during an interview on Q with Tom Power that her professional partnership concluded much like other artists did in 2020. As she put it, “If you’re not generating income, you get let go in 2020.” The music industry suffered a significant downturn, and since touring is the primary source of income for musicians, and it was 2020—a year without touring—she found herself in this situation. Her song ‘Pink Pony’, released in April of 2020, was particularly unfortunate as it wasn’t the ideal time for a club track to debut. To be straightforward, the label didn’t even want to distribute it initially.

Following her departure from Atlantic Records, Chappell returned to reside with her parents in Missouri. She took up a job at a drive-through restaurant in her home town. It was during this period that Chappell admitted to having significant doubts about her career path within the music industry.

As she recalled, “I was just kind of like, ‘I wonder if this is really for me.’”

Instead, she persisted in chasing her musical aspirations, working on her unique style without relying on external support.

“Over time, she came to understand that, despite the challenging nature of that past label experience spanning five years, it turned out to be an extraordinary blessing,” she shared with Rolling Stone in 2022. “What’s more, her journey towards independence has shown her that she is capable and self-reliant.”

Chappell isn’t Dan’s only pop princess.

In 2020, Dan began working with Olivia Rodrigo following his discovery of a video on Instagram where she was singing her then-unreleased song “Happier.” After this chance encounter, they joined forces to create “Driver’s License,” which catapulted Olivia into the limelight of mainstream popularity.

Meanwhile, Dan was thriving with Olivia, Chappell was in Missouri, focusing on her music individually. Upon Chappell’s return to Los Angeles and resuming work with Dan, she met Olivia. Since then, they have been virtually inseparable.

In May 2022, Chappell served as the opening act for Olivia’s “Source” Tour in San Francisco, and he also opened for the initial leg of her “Guts” global tour in 2024.

She expressed amazement, saying something like, “Wow, I can’t believe it… Just over two years ago, I played my first headline show to 200 people. Now, I’m performing for 20,000! It’s been a rapid and intense journey. Yet, I’m thrilled because I had the opportunity to open for her in San Francisco last May, and there were 9,000 people. Although it was fewer, the energy was electrifying as many of her fans are younger than mine.” This was shared during a November 2023 interview on Triple J radio.

Apart from performing as an opening act for the “Driver’s License” artist on two occasions, Chappell has also lent her voice to back up several of her songs.

During an interview with Capital Buzz, she disclosed details about her first album, mentioning that she added backing vocals to “Obsessed,” “Lacy,” “Bad Idea, Right?,” and the song “Can’t Catch Me Now” which Olivia recorded for the 2023 film The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.

Genesis Webb, my stylist, and I draw inspiration from various sources such as drag, horror movies, burlesque, and theater. As she shared during her interview on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, we aim for extravagant looks. She enjoys creating a mix of pretty and scary, or pretty and tacky, or simply not pretty at all – whatever the mood may be.

Regardless if she wears a see-through latex miniskirt, a fake pig snout, or embellished butterfly wings, this incredibly trendy young woman is always adept at making a striking impression with her gaze.

The performer remembered the instance when she understood that “Chappell Roan” wasn’t merely her stage identity, but also her drag character as well.

She revealed on Q with Tom Power that a drag queen named Crayola opened for her in London. “She told me, ‘You’re not just putting on makeup, you’re a drag queen,'” she said, which was quite a revelation. Since then, I’ve embraced this new identity wholeheartedly, and it has been liberating to view my drag performances as a distinct aspect of myself, almost like a separate job, which has also helped me personally.

During his appearance on The Tonight Show, Chappell acknowledged Sasha Colby, the winner of Ru Paul’s Drag Race season 15, as the source of inspiration for his famous quote “I’m the favorite artist of your favorite artist.

She mentioned Sasha Colby, saying, “She considers herself the favorite drag queen of her favorite drag queen.” This sentiment struck a chord with me, which is why I expressed my hope that perhaps Sasha Colby might someday watch me perform.

About a month past, the drag superstar took the stage alongside Chappell during their act at the 2024 Capitol Hill Block Party.

2022 saw Chappell being diagnosed with Bipolar II disorder. She openly discussed how her journey to stardom motivated her to seek professional assistance.

In an interview with Rolling Stone in September 2024, she shared that her childhood was filled with deep sadness. She felt like an outcast, being very timid, self-conscience, and humble. Her parents, however, did their utmost to help her.

Ultimately, I came to understand that I couldn’t carry on living in the same way. I couldn’t continue feeling overwhelmed by depression or lost to the point of contemplating ending my life. So, I decided it was time to pick up the pieces and regain control over my life.

Ever since her diagnosis, Chappell has consistently kept her supporters informed about her battles with mental health issues, aiming to challenge the stereotypes associated with this subject matter.

She shared on Instagram that it significantly impacts her life on a daily basis and plays a substantial role in her music. Currently, she’s in a very good mental state, and she felt the need to discuss this topic as she believes it’s essential to bring attention to mental health issues.

This Midwestern princess won’t be dating another singer anytime in the future.

The performer behind “School Nights” candidly confessed to Rolling Stone that he has no desire to date another artist as they’re often “crazy.

Instead, she admitted, she’s taking things lightly with a particular woman. “I’ve met someone I find fascinating,” she explained. “However, I find myself unable to make a commitment because I feel misunderstood. She’s remarkable and incredibly self-assured, and she’s given me the freedom: ‘Take your time, we can simply be friends if you prefer.’

Back in early 2024, I was beyond thrilled when my beloved Chappell publicly confirmed her lesbian identity during a show in Ohio. Despite having dated men previously, this amazing woman chose to embrace and share her true self with the world.

In my explanation to Rolling Stone, I shared that it wasn’t part of the plan for me to be romantically involved with men. Now, the idea of even kissing a man makes me feel slightly uncomfortable, as no one can compare to the wonderful experiences I’ve had with women.

Despite this, she admitted that there are times when she grapples with her own sexuality. “I can’t understand why it’s a problem for me,” she expressed. “It shouldn’t be, but I’m dealing with something and I need to learn to accept it.

Even though she still experiences some unease, Chappell openly acknowledges her queer persona, yet she doesn’t feel compelled to discuss it all the time.

At the 2024 Governor’s Ball in June, Chappell shared with the crowd that she declined an invitation from President Joe Biden to perform at the White House as a tribute for Pride Month.

She conveyed her choice was driven by a desire for equality, fairness, and individual rights for everyone. Once those principles are upheld, that’s when she will act.

During the performance, she also demanded equal rights for marginalized communities.

She boldly declared, “I am the biggest queen of them all, and proudly so!” she stated, dressed in a costume reminiscent of the Statue of Liberty. Reminding everyone, “Inscribed on my toes are words that echo through history: ‘Give me your tired, your poor, your yearning masses…’. This signifies freedom for all – transgender individuals, women, and those oppressed in occupied territories.

Prior to her Joan of Arc-inspired act at the 2024 VMAs, Chappell had a heated exchange with a photographer on the red carpet. This occurred after the photographer was overheard saying, “Be quiet.” In response, Chappell firmly told him, “You be quiet. Don’t you dare talk to me like that!

Her reasoning for standing up for herself is quite simple.

She expressed her disdain for the fame aspect in a statement to Newsweek. “Some women have grown accustomed to this over time, but I’m not one of them,” she stated. “I won’t play the role of a submissive to a man who tells me to be quiet.

Chappell demonstrated that she has an excellent memory for faces, as she recalled a past unpleasant encounter with another photographer at the premiere of Netflix’s concert film Olivia Rodrigo: GUTS World Tour, and confronted them about it.

At the Grammys, she addressed a photographer saying, “You spoke to me in such an impolite manner there,” referring to the incident at the Grammy party where you raised your voice at her. She reminded him of the event and stated, “I recall that you were extremely disrespectful towards me.” She then demanded an apology, asserting, “I feel I’m owed one for your rude behavior.” She concluded by expressing her expectation for an apology from him.

2025-01-20 18:19

Way Bigger” If She Wore “a Muzzle

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