Recent breakout artist Chappell Roan received backlash after canceling major performances with one day’s notice. The “Good Luck, Babe!” singer pulled out of being a headliner for two shows with the All Things Go music festival.
The festival took place the weekend of Sept. 27 and Roan informed the public through an Instagram post that she would not be performing.
“I apologize to people who have been waiting to see me in NYC & DC this weekend at All Things Go, but I am unable to perform,” Roan said in her Instagram post. “I feel pressures to prioritize a lot of things right now and I need a few days to prioritize my health. I want to be present when I perform and give the best shows possible.”
Fans were not happy with Roan’s decision. One fan took to X and explained they spent $150 on a train ticket to New York City for the All Things Go performance. The fan said that prioritizing mental health is important, but so is following through on commitments.
“People paid a lot of money, took a lot of time out of their day and planned for this, just for you to cancel,” said Alexis Coleman, a sophomore computer science major.
Another one of her latest controversies was when she responded to a photographer with profanities while walking the red carpet at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards. The moment was caught on video.
The pop star skyrocketed to fame within the past year and is now being subjected to the pressures and harassment of stardom. Many have called her an overnight success, but she’s been at it for years.
According to a Biography, she was born Kayleigh Rose Amstutz. The singer got a record deal when she was a teenager living in Missouri. In 2020, Roan was dropped from her label after the release of her song “Pink Pony Club.” She became an independent artist. Then, Roan began writing songs with songwriter and producer Daniel Nigro until her fame grew.
There has been an uproar of fans since her success, but that comes with its own set of challenges.
“Things have gotten overwhelming over the past few weeks and I am really feeling it,” Roan said in her Instagram post when canceling her performances.
Both fans and non-fans have been at odds as to whether Roan should have taken a better approach.
“You kind of have to step into her issues as well. She’s still a human being, right?” said Dayanna García, a sophomore computer science major. “But at the same time, being in the spotlight is a really huge commitment.”
Coleman agreed with the surge of fans that said Roan should not have canceled her performances.
“She shouldn’t have canceled her shows because you could be having something going on, everyone has their own issues going on. But at the end of the day it’s a job,” said Coleman. “I know singers like Demi Lovato had drug issues and all that stuff and she still performed anyway.”
Regarding commitment to fans, there have been comparisons circling between Chappell Roan and Katy Perry. According to Mirror, this goes back to 2012 when Russell Brand ended his marriage to Perry via text message. This emotional moment was right before a performance, but Perry continued with the show anyway.
Roan continues to be very successful and on a whirlwind of press. She is scheduled to continue The Midwest Princess Tour for her latest album: The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess. Fans will have to wait and see whether Roan steps into her stardom or succumbs to the pressure and leaves the spotlight.
