Artist

Chappell Roan on Criticism and Success

Published January 21, 2025

Rising pop sensation Chappell Roan has faced significant criticism in her journey to stardom.

She recently withdrew from two festivals due to concerns about intrusive behavior from individuals monitoring her family home. Additionally, Roan confronted a photographer on the red carpet at the MTV Video Music Awards. As a result of these actions, some critics labeled her as “unprofessional” and claimed she was “not built for fame.”

Despite the backlash, Roan remains committed to expressing herself authentically. In a recent BBC interview, she shared her belief in standing up for herself, even when it might affect her career. "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," she explained. "It's like oil and water."

With six Grammy nominations, including best new artist and album of the year, Roan feels that her outspoken nature has influenced her path in the industry. "I think, actually, I'd be more successful if I was OK wearing a muzzle," she remarked.

Roan recognized that if she had chosen to ignore her instincts and not stand up for herself, she might have achieved greater success. "If I were to override more of my basic instincts, where my heart is going, ‘Stop, stop, stop, you're not OK,' I would be bigger. I would be way bigger...and I would still be on tour right now," she shared.

Last year, she made the conscious decision to end her Midwest Princess tour early, prioritizing her mental and physical health. Roan, who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, acknowledges the difficulties in regulating her emotions and adapting to her newfound fame.

Before releasing her Grammy-nominated album, "The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess," Roan kept her followers updated on her mental health journey and the challenges of sudden celebrity. "This career path presents significant challenges in maintaining a balanced life and mental wellbeing," she stated in a TikTok video.

In the BBC interview, Roan discussed how she copes with performance anxiety by reminding herself that there are plenty of opportunities available. "So when someone says, ‘Do this concert because you'll never get offered that much money ever again,' it's like, who cares?" she said.

However, she also admits that the admiration from fans can be quite addictive, leading to fears of losing that validation over time. "I understand why I'm so scared to lose this feeling. It's so scary to think that one day people will not care about you the same way as they do right now," she said, reflecting on the different pressures faced by women in the industry.

Roan has no regrets about her decisions, believing that the outcomes of success and failure are 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," she concluded. "There are always options."

music, fame, criticism, mentalhealth, success