In a heartfelt message to her fanbase, musician Chappell Roan offered an intimate look into her tumultuous yet ultimately transformative year, 2025. She described the period as one of profound personal challenge, marked by both professional pressures and private struggles. Despite moments that pushed her to the brink, including contemplating the cancellation of a significant tour, Roan discovered unexpected paths to personal growth and creative rejuvenation. Her reflections highlight a journey from adversity to a renewed sense of purpose, setting the stage for a 2026 focused on well-being and community involvement.
Roan's year began with significant disruption, as she was forced to relocate from Los Angeles to New York due to devastating fires, navigating a series of temporary residences. This period of upheaval prompted a conscious decision to step away from the incessant demands of social media, a move she credits with significantly improving her mental state. Instead of endless scrolling, she embraced new experiences, delving into Spanish language studies and immersing herself in films and literature. This deliberate disengagement from digital platforms proved to be a crucial step towards regaining her inner balance, as she realized the detrimental impact of constant online engagement on her well-being.
Creatively, Roan faced a period of stagnation, initially struggling to compose new music. However, the release of her tracks 'The Giver' and 'The Subway' marked pivotal moments. She expressed immense satisfaction with 'The Giver,' acknowledging it as a significant departure from her usual style and a courageous artistic risk. This experience taught her that self-worth as an artist extends beyond achieving global chart-topping success, finding validation in the genuine connection and joy she witnessed from her audience during live performances. A vacation to France with friends in June was instrumental in bolstering her spirits, providing the necessary respite to navigate the complexities surrounding 'The Subway's' release, including a music video production that, despite requiring beta-blockers, was a dream realized.
Roan also found joy in embracing unconventional aesthetics, particularly with her costumes for 'Visions of Damsels and Other Dangerous Things.' She reveled in the theatricality of her fashion choices, such as the blood-red teeth and black contacts she donned for her Mexico City show. Her preference for being "weird" over traditionally "sexy" underscored a deeper comfort with her unique artistic identity. Touring globally afforded her the privilege of experiencing diverse cultures and locations, fulfilling long-held dreams and reinforcing her appreciation for her career.
A major point of reflection was her contemplation of canceling the U.S. leg of her tour due to mental health concerns. This difficult decision ultimately led her to push through, a choice she now cherishes. Performing in her hometown, New York, and Los Angeles created indelible memories. She conveyed empathy for other artists who cancel performances, understanding the immense pressure involved and commending their prioritization of self-care. Looking ahead to 2026, Roan envisions a year dedicated to personal and communal well-being. Her plans include volunteering locally and contributing to charitable causes, signifying a desire for more tangible, off-screen engagement and a departure from the digital-centric lifestyle of the past year.