KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A traveler along the historic Route 66 passing through Springfield, Missouri would be forgiven for wondering how a relatively reserved community could spark the outspoken force that’s become music artist Chappell Roan.
When 26-year-old Roan was named the VMA’s Best New Artist this month , it might have been the first time some music fans ever saw her extravagant wardrobe or heard her music that’s reminiscent of the 1980’s.
“It’s just so different and I like what she stands for,” said fan Lily Krueger.
Her career and fame has skyrocketed in the last few months , opening for pop star Olivia Rodrigo before starting her own tour in the European Union, U.K., and United States.
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“It’s a new but old sound, I fell like, and not many people are doing it,” said fan Kayla Howell.
Long before she adopted her stage persona, Chappell Roan, Kayleigh Rose Amstutz was born in the nearby city of Willard, bouncing between Missouri, L.A., and New York after high school while going on tour and starting her music career.