Chappell Roan's success marks the rise of the 'middle class' pop star
Chappell Roan is no longer just “your favorite artist’s favorite artist.”
Chappell Roan is no longer just “your favorite artist’s favorite artist.”
After a string of viral festival performances — videos of which showed massive crowds growing week after week — the once-niche pop singer has ascended to mainstream success.
Roan, who is known for the queer themes in her music and her drag-inspired aesthetic, is among the recent crop of artists who have hit unforeseen career highs in recent months, despite being considered part of pop music’s “middle class.” This designation has typically been associated with artists who have cultivated devout online fan bases, but who are not necessarily household names.
A-list pop stardom has become increasingly difficult to achieve. But some music industry experts say the recent rise of Roan and others — including Sabrina Carpenter, Tinashe and Charli XCX — is a testament to their authenticity and ability to foster such strong fandoms.
Rating: 5