Advertisement
The rise of nepo babies in the entertainment industry has become a hot topic of discussion, prompting questions about its implications. Are all nepo babies automatically deemed as detrimental to the integrity of the industry? Can there be instances where their presence actually contributes positively? And crucially, what criteria define someone as a nepo baby within pop culture?
With every emerging artist, scrutiny often extends to their lineage, and singer Chappell Roan is no exception. Over the past couple of years, she’s experienced a meteoric ascent, fueled by her standout performance at Coachella and her role as an opener for Olivia Rodrigo. So, let’s delve into Roan’s personal narrative and unravel whether she truly fits the mold of a dreaded nepo baby.
Born Kayleigh Rose Amstutz on February 19, 1998, Roan spent her formative years in a Missouri trailer park alongside her three younger siblings. Growing up in the conservative and Christian enclave of Willard, she grappled with the pressures to conform, admitting to Variety her childhood struggles and eventual bipolar diagnosis at 22. Despite these challenges, Roan discovered solace in songwriting during her teenage years, honing her craft through local talent shows and summer camps. By 17, her burgeoning talent garnered attention, prompting her parents to support her journey to musical showcases in New York. Subsequently, Roan inked a record deal with Atlantic Records and released her debut single, “Good Hurt,” in 2017, embarking on a journey to refine her skills in Los Angeles.
However, Roan’s trajectory was not without its hurdles. Collaborator dynamics shifted, leaving her adrift in 2021, leading to her departure from Atlantic Records and a return to her hometown to recalibrate as an independent artist. This setback, unfamiliar to the privileged networks of typical nepo babies, served as a catalyst for Roan’s resilience. Armed with renewed determination, she returned to the music scene with revitalized creativity, propelling her to newfound success.
Contrary to the archetype of a nepo baby, Roan’s narrative is one of perseverance and authenticity. A cursory glance at her discography reveals the arduous journey she undertook to refine her distinctive sound. Despite her ascent to prominence, Roan remains rooted in her humble beginnings, as evidenced by her debut studio album, “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.” Embracing her less-than-glamorous origins, she infuses her music with poignant reflections on her upbringing, refusing to let go of her Midwestern identity.
Roan’s candid approach has resonated profoundly, propelling her album to the upper echelons of the Billboard 200 and earning widespread acclaim from critics. She emerges not as a nepo baby, but as a testament to the power of hard work and authenticity in the face of adversity.