The ascension of Chappell Roan signifies the emergence of the ‘middle class’ pop star.

Pop stardom is no longer solely about creating music for the widest possible audience, with the rise of niche genres and diverse sounds allowing artists to find success in unique ways. Artists like Billie Eilish and SZA are making music that may not be recognizable to the general public, treating “pop” as a genre to be built upon rather than a trending sound. Live performances have also been crucial in creating communities around these artists, as seen with Roan and Carpenter rising in popularity after high-profile festival performances. The success of these artists is also linked to the current cultural and political climate, with their authenticity and unapologetic nature resonating with fans in a time when women’s and LGBTQ rights are being threatened. Pop star Charli XCX’s recent album “Brat” has inspired a movement of being messy and unapologetic, reflecting the desire for idiosyncratic musicians in today’s music landscape. Roan in particular has broken through by speaking to the representation of queer people in mainstream pop culture and connecting with a loyal fan base. Despite their success, these artists are not following the traditional rules of pop stardom, with hit singles being seen as almost incidental compared to their ability to speak directly to their fan base and create music that resonates with them.

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