Chappell Roan: The Rise of a Midwest Princess

by Jennifer Keishin Armstrong (Contributor), Dibs Baer (Contributor), Patrick Crowley (Contributor)

Chappell Roan broke through as a superstar, thanks to a genuinely new blend of powerhouse vocals, queer pride and drag queen style. Her appeal is clear: the songs are bouncy anthems that are unabashedly joyful, and her campy looks are a perfect mix of burlesque star and beauty queen.

This stunning gift book immerses you in Chappell’s world, examining her rise to fame, how she established herself so seemingly quickly, and how she is challenging expectations while honoring gay women’s impact on pop culture.

Genres: Nonfiction

160 pages, Hardcover

First published October 7, 2025

About the author

Jennifer Keishin Armstrong’s writing takes readers behind the scenes of major moments in pop culture history and examines the lasting impact that our favorite TV shows, music, and movies have on our society and psyches. She investigates why pop culture matters deeply, from The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Seinfeld, to Sex and the City and Mean Girls, to Beyoncé, Taylor, and Barbie. She has written eight books, including the New York Times bestseller Seinfeldia, When Women Invented Television, Sex and the City and Us, and So Fetch.

Reviews

[Graeme Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chappell Roan: The Rise of a Midwest Princess is a vibrant and joyful exploration of a rising pop phenomenon. This gift book captures the essence of Chappell Roan’s unique appeal: powerhouse vocals, unapologetic queer pride, and a theatrical sense of style that blends drag performance with beauty queen glamour. Contributors Jennifer Keishin Armstrong, Dibs Baer, and Patrick Crowley offer a richly curated portrait of Roan’s ascent, detailing her creative process, her bold approach to pop music, and the cultural influences that shaped her artistry.

Beyond charting her professional milestones, the book celebrates how Roan challenges norms and amplifies the voices of gay women in pop culture. The combination of lively visuals, candid commentary, and in-depth storytelling makes this an indispensable keepsake for fans of music, LGBTQ+ culture, and contemporary pop artistry.