Chappell Roan is rapidly rising in the music industry, but with newfound fame comes challenges she never expected. The 26-year-old “Good Luck, Babe” singer is opening up about how she’s coping with the pressures of fame and why she’s not exactly hoping for a Grammy win. In a candid interview with The Face, Roan revealed her thoughts on the music industry, her mental health, and the overwhelming weight of fame.
While many artists dream of winning a Grammy, Roan has a different perspective. Her approach to success is refreshingly honest, admitting that she’d rather not win the coveted award. “My mom would love to go to the Grammys or the Brits,” Roan shared. “I’m kind of hoping I don’t win, because then everyone will get off my ass: ‘See guys, we did it and we didn’t win, bye!’ I won’t have to do this again!”
Despite her reluctance, Chappell Roan is considered a frontrunner for the Best New Artist category. There’s also speculation she could score nominations in major categories such as Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Record of the Year. Yet, as she navigates her growing success, Roan is trying to prioritize her mental health and create a career that’s sustainable, rather than one driven by constant pressure and burnout.
“I feel ambitious about making this sustainable,” Roan explained, addressing the long-term vision she has for herself in the industry. “That’s my biggest goal right now. My brain is like: quit right now, take next year off.” Her transparency about the overwhelming nature of the music business reveals a side of the industry that many artists face but few openly discuss. The high stakes, relentless demands, and constant scrutiny can take a toll on even the most passionate performers.
“This industry and artistry f–king thrive on mental illness, burnout, overworking yourself, overextending yourself, not sleeping,” she added. “You get bigger the more unhealthy you are. Isn’t that so f–ked up?”
Roan has also been vocal about setting boundaries with fans to protect her personal space. In the interview, she recounted a disturbing experience at the airport, where autograph seekers berated her after she turned down their requests. “I told myself, if this ever gets dangerous, I might quit. It’s dangerous now, and I’m still going. But that part is not what I signed up for,” she said.
“Fame is just abusive,” Roan explained. “The vibe of this – stalking, talking shit online, [people who] won’t leave you alone, yelling at you in public – is the vibe of an abusive ex-husband. That’s what it feels like. I didn’t know it would feel this bad.” Roan’s comparison of fame to an abusive relationship is a stark reminder of the darker side of celebrity life, one that often goes unnoticed by fans.
Despite these struggles, Roan remains dedicated to her music and is determined to make it work on her own terms. Her openness about the challenges she’s facing is a powerful statement, one that highlights the importance of mental health and self-care in an industry that can be relentless.
