Chapell Roan ‘gives’ new sound to country with chart-topping, historic single

By Angelica N. Hall

Chapell Roan continues to dominate the music scene, seamlessly blending infectious melodies with bold, theatrical performances. 

Since her latest milestone, the release of her first country song, “The Giver,” she hasn’t just given (pun intended) – she has also delivered. 

With her rhinestones, elaborate costumes, and lavish makeup emphasising her drag-inspired persona, it’s no wonder that Chapell Roan rose through the pop scene as a queer icon.  

Now, not only is she becoming a staple name in the pop industry and among Gen Z listeners, but the 26-year-old singer-songwriter from Missouri, United States, is also breaking and creating historic feats in the world of country music–by becoming the third woman in history to debut a country song at the top spot.

Becoming your favorite artist’s favorite artist 

Born Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, the camp queen first made waves in 2020 with the release of Pink Pony Club – just before being dropped by her former label, Atlantic Records. 

Roan revealed last September that the label initially discouraged her from releasing the song but ultimately gave in after she and her producer, Dan Nigro, fought for it. 

Now, years later, Pink Pony Club is a well-beloved song for her fans, climbing to No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 as of March 26.

After parting ways with her label, Roan eventually returned home to Missouri, working odd jobs and undergoing therapy while also refining her sound and artistic vision. 

She reconnected with Nigro in 2021, and released new tracks that eventually became pop hits: “Naked in Manhattan” and “My Kink Is Karma.”

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Conan Gray celebrates ‘Kid Krow’ anniversary with ‘Heather’ lost verse version

In 2023, Roan finally released her unapologetically vibrant, bold, campy, and yet deeply personal album: “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.” 

Her initial single and sleeper hit in the album, “Good luck, babe!” peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and also earned the artist her first No. 1 on Billboard’s Pop Airplay chart.

 In January, it became a quadruple platinum in the United States. 

The Midwest Princess in her rhinestone cowgirl hat

In February, the queer icon reached another significant milestone: winning the Best New Artist at the 2025 Grammys. 

Not only that, she also took the opportunity to use her platform to advocate for musicians to be paid a living wage. 

Now, Roan has made an even bigger mark in the music world with her bold foray into country music. 

After releasing “The Giver” on March 13, the song soared to No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs, making her part of an exclusive group – joining only Bebe Rexha with Meant to Be and Beyoncé with Texas Hold ‘Em as the only women to debut at No. 1 on the chart with their first entry.

The unabashedly playful and sapphic track also landed at No. 5 on the Hot 100, according to the Billboard website, successfully enabling Roan to redefine what country music can sound like. 

“I wanted to write a country song because I thought it would be funny,” Roan explained to E! News. 

Describing the track as “campy” and “fun”, she reflected on returning to her musical roots, having grown up in southwest Missouri.

“Grew up on Christian and country and then found ‘Alejandro’ by Lady Gaga and I was like, ‘I think I like this, too.’ So, I have kept country in my heart,” she shared. 

READ NEXT: P-Pop to the World: The rise of Philippine pop on the global stage