Chappell Roan recounts brutal audition for The Voice
Pop star Chappell Roan shares early struggles in the music industry, including a disheartening audition for The Voice and rejection from America’s Got Talent.
Rising pop sensation Chappell Roan recently opened up about her challenging beginnings in the music industry. In a candid interview with W Magazine, the 27-year-old singer revealed her experiences auditioning for major talent shows like The Voice and America’s Got Talent as a teenager.
Auditioning for The Voice at 15: “He Never Looked Up From His Phone”
At just 15, Chappell Roan auditioned for The Voice by singing Rihanna’s hit song Stay. But the experience didn’t go as she had hoped.
“The producer or whoever was watching didn’t even look up from his phone,” Roan shared. “He was like, ‘Okay, next,’ and I had sung a cappella. It was the scariest thing ever.”
The Pink Pony Club singer had tried to stand out by performing a gender-swapped version of Bruno Mars’ When I Was Your Man — turning it into When You Were My Man.
“I thought I was so unique. But every girl was doing it,” she added, laughing.
The moment clearly left a lasting impact on the artist, who has since become known for her bold personality and genre-blending pop sound.
Rejection from America’s Got Talent at 13
Before her Voice audition, Roan had also tried out for America’s Got Talent when she was only 13.
“We flew to Austin, Texas. Got up at 4 a.m. and waited in line with thousands of people. I sang True Colors by Cyndi Lauper. Didn’t make it either,” she recalled.
Despite these early setbacks, Roan stayed determined to follow her passion for music.
From Britney Spears to the Billboard Charts
Long before she became a well-known pop music artist, Roan already had a strong love for performing.
“The first song I remember singing was Oops!… I Did It Again by Britney Spears,” she said. “My mom took me out of gymnastics because I would do the Britney dances instead of listening to the teacher.”
Even in childhood, Roan gravitated toward the stage and self-expression. She also mentioned singing the classic Sunday school song Jesus Loves Me as one of her earliest memories.
Hearing Herself on the Radio for the First Time
Roan also shared a special moment from her current success — hearing one of her own songs on the radio for the first time.
“I was in an Uber on tour when Good Luck, Babe! came on,” she said. “I grabbed my friend’s hand and whispered, ‘Oh my f—.’ But I didn’t scream.”
While she was thrilled, Roan admitted she doesn’t enjoy listening to her own music.
“I don’t sing along with myself. I’ve heard my songs hundreds of times. Once they’re out, I don’t want to hear them anymore,” she said.
Embracing Her Identity and Influences
In the W Magazine interview, Roan also spoke about her admiration for drag culture, which heavily influences her style and performances. Her debut album reflects this love of expression and celebration.
“It feels like a party,” she said about her album. “Drag queens inspire so much of what I do — the makeup, the energy, the freedom.”
Roan has become a voice for individuality and self-love in pop music, combining catchy melodies with bold visuals and authentic storytelling.
Key Takeaways
- Chappell Roan auditioned for The Voice at 15, but a distracted producer soured the experience.
- She was rejected from America’s Got Talent at 13, despite traveling to Austin for the audition.
- Her early influences include Britney Spears and drag culture, both of which continue to shape her artistry.
- Roan is now a rising pop star known for hits like Good Luck, Babe! and Pink Pony Club.
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