Yahoo Lifestyle Chappell Roan honored by Elton John for EW's 2024 Entertainers of the Year as 'a beacon of originality and self-expression'
The EGOT-winner celebrates the "Pink Pony Club" singer for "her honesty, her individuality, and her commitment to creating meaningful music."
It's hard to imagine a wilder whirlwind success story than Chappell Roan's 2024. After years of singles and EPs that gradually built a cult following, the Missouri-born singer released her debut album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess late last year. With sing- (and dance-!) along fan-favorites including "Hot to Go" and "Femininomenon," Roan's performances supporting the record — opening sets on Olivia Rodrigo's Guts Tour, a viral Tiny Desk Concert, and a string of increasingly buzzy festival appearances — quickly established her as one of the most sought-after pop singers in the world. Roan capped her unfathomably busy year with six Grammy nominations and the most-viewed Saturday Night Live episode since 2020 (which also featured Vice President Kamala Harris, no less). And through it all, Roan has maintained a refreshingly honest approach to stardom, to the point where her candid reactions to fame have become nearly as massive as her music has.
We asked EGOT-winning singer-songwriter Elton John — who's had a banner year himself, with his musical The Devil Wears Prada hitting the West End stage and his documentary Elton John: Never Too Late making waves at its New York Film Festival premiere (where he made his first live performance in over a year) — to pay tribute to Roan, celebrating her talent, persistence, and artistic vision...the Midwest princess who might just be the voice of a generation.
Chappell Roan: Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for The Recording Academy; John: Victor Boyko/Getty Images for Valentino
It’s not every day that you encounter an artist who possesses the rare combination of raw talent, fearless creativity, and an unwavering dedication. Chappell Roan is one such artist — a true star whose talent has captivated listeners all over the world. What sets Chappell apart is her courage to be herself in every sense: her honesty, her individuality, and her commitment to creating meaningful music. She shines as a beacon of originality and self-expression.
From the moment I first heard her music and played “Pink Pony Club” on my Rocket Hour radio show in January 2023, I was struck by her — she has a voice that doesn’t just sing but tells stories, evokes emotions, and connects with the soul. Her ability to blend vulnerability with empowerment in her songwriting is nothing short of extraordinary. Chappell's live performances are also a spectacle of passion and authenticity. Watching her grow and carve out her place in the industry has been a joy.
Chappell Roan is not just an artist for today, she is a voice for the future. It’s thrilling to witness the start of what promises to be a truly remarkable career. I have no doubt she will continue to inspire, challenge, and bring joy to audiences around the world.
EW's 2024 Entertainers of the Year
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