Is vulnerability the secret of her success? She storms around the stage in a wild, joyous whirlwind. She wears bright drag costumes. She calls herself "your favourite artist's favourite artist". But some say her sensitivity is what makes her special.
The woman whose honesty remade pop
Is vulnerability the secret of her success? She storms around the stage in a wild, joyous whirlwind. She wears bright drag costumes. She calls herself "your favourite artist's favourite artist". But some say her sensitivity is what makes her special.
"I can't ignore the crazy visions of me in LA," a saccharineExcessively sweet or sentimental. voice croons. "And I heard that there's a special place where boys and girls can all be queens every single day."
The song, called Pink Pony Club, is the 11th song on Chappell Roan's album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.
In 2020, Roan was working as a barista and a nanny, struggling to make ends meet.
But after nine years of hard work, she has became pop's latest sensation. Her album peaked at number one in the charts. She performed at Coachella and was invited to perform at the White House.
For some, she is a miracle. She grew up in a conservativeHolding traditional values, and in a political context, favouring policies such as private ownership. family in a trailer park in Missouri. She went to church three times a week and was taught that being gay was a sin.
It was during a visit to West Hollywood that she realised that she wanted to pursue her music career properly. It was also the first time she encountered the queer community, later coming out as a lesbian.
What is behind Roan's popularity? Some think it is her loud and proud queerness, while others say it is pure talent.
But others have another explanation. Roan is vulnerable in a culture where authenticity, or "realness", is the ultimate currency. She burst into tears at a recent concert and discusses her Bipolar 2 disorder diagnosis with her fans on TikTok.
Recently, she has been criticised for hating fame. She says her newfound success has led to harassment and abuse from so-called fans. Vulnerability may be the secret to Roan's success - but could it also be her fatal flaw?
Is vulnerability the secret of her success?
Yes! Roan's willingness to talk about her struggles and own her vulnerability appeals to fans.
No! She is successful because she is an exceptional singer and songwriter, and that is all.
Keywords
Saccharine - Excessively sweet or sentimental.
Conservative - Holding traditional values, and in a political context, favouring policies such as private ownership.
The woman whose honesty remade pop
Glossary
Saccharine - Excessively sweet or sentimental.
Conservative - Holding traditional values, and in a political context, favouring policies such as private ownership.