Decryption | The Chappell Roan phenomenon arrives at Osheaga

A year ago, Chappell Roan was virtually unknown. Today, this queer artist’s songs have well over a billion streams on online platforms. Her success Good Luck, Babe! ranks in the top 10 of Billboard. One even wonders why Osheaga scheduled his performance for Saturday afternoon, rather than in the evening. Decoding a phenomenon.




Internet explosion

Chappell Roan is the viral musical phenomenon of 2024, according to Thomas Leblanc, columnist at Ici Première and producer of Homopop evenings. “She started from almost nothing by releasing her album in September 2023 and she is now performing shows in front of tens of thousands of people,” he says. Leblanc compares the newcomer’s trajectory to Lady Gaga’s early days. “Chappell doesn’t yet have a radio hit of the magnitude of Poker facebut there’s something about the speed of her success that reminds me of Gaga.”

Drag singer

Another characteristic that brings Chappell Roan closer to the singer of Born This Way, This one offers looks that mark the imagination: exuberant outfits, eccentric makeup, creation of a public persona. Choices undoubtedly influenced by the codes of drag.

PHOTO AMY HARRIS, ASSOCIATED PRESS ARCHIVES

Chappell Roan performing at Bonnaroo, Tennessee, in June

While some voices question the fact that a cisgender woman like her transforms into a drag queen and not a drag king, others are outright critical of her borrowings from drag aesthetics. Rita Baga disagrees.

“She’s not just a fan who appropriates our art, but an artist who uses her platform to promote our art. She often hosts local drag shows. In fact, she’s a drag baby!”

Gisèle Lullaby is equally open. “She’s a queer woman who is part of our community,” says the Quebecer. “As a drag queen, we are inspired by women, so it’s like a full circle. We’ve never said anything against Lady Gaga, so I don’t see why people would start complaining about Chappell Roan.”

A community behind her

While Chappell Roan has fans from all walks of life, it’s safe to say that the LGBTQ+ community has a real cult following for the hit singer-songwriter. Femininonomenon, Hot To Go!, Pink Pony Club, Casual And Red Wine Supernova (which all rank in the top 100 of Billboard this week). And for good reason: her songs often talk about lesbian love, without hiding behind an ambiguous subtext.


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