People may not expect a pop star like Chappell Roan to play a lot of country music. That's not to say it's impossible; plenty of people have their fair share of favorite songs in the genre, even if it's just a guilty pleasure. However, oftentimes, the interest can be particularly shallow. Not to mention, the industry's relationship with queer people is enormously complicated.
Videos by Wide Open Country
But the 'Good Luck Babe' star stands behind her stomping grounds and her favorite artists growing up. However, one in particular stands out as particularly glaring out of the pack.
Recently, Chappell Roan sat down with Kelleigh Bannen for an interview on Apple Music. There, she promotes her latest country excursion on "The Giver." Moreover, she explains how the genre makes her feel nostalgic for her childhood in the midwest when driving in West Hollywood, California. It highlights just how easy it is to balance interests in country and pop alike.
"I wanted to write a country song because I just thought it would be funny. It's campy, and it's fun," Chappell Roan says. "You know, I'm from southwest Missouri, grew up on Christian and country and then found 'Alejandro' by Lady Gaga and I was like: 'I think I like this too!'
Chappell Roan Lists One Surprising Artist She Loves in Country Music
Then, she gives pretty strong examples of her roots in country music. It really demonstrates how deep her taste is, but one of these names stands out as particularly glaring for a few reasons.
"So I have kept country in my heart, and it's so incredibly nostalgic to drive in West Hollywood and have Jason Aldean, Alan Jackson, 'Chattahoochee.' I love how, 'Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy,' I was like, 'How can I, I want to feel that way on stage; I wanna feel that. 'Cause that's how I write," Chappell Roan explains.
Jason Aldean stands out for a pretty large, 'Try That in a Small Town' sized reason. His sternly right-wing ideology drastically opposes LGBTQ+ ideals, something Chappell stands for deeply. That doesn't even include the fact that Aldean also just kind of stinks personally. God forbid you have to listen to his attempts at rapping. But Alan Jackson? Chattahoochee? Tremendous taste.
