During the June 20, 2025, episode of Saturday Night Live, singerChappell Roanshocked the world with the debut of a new country single called “The Giver.” Lyrically, the song was praised by fans, and it was generally well-received, and now the song is out for real. However,it also left them wondering if Roan was about to pull a Beyoncé, and if this was going to be the first single on what would turn out to be a future country album. There’s no doubt the singer is talented enough to pull it off, but it would be a sudden change.
With the success that Roan has had, it feels like the ultra-pop musician has been around a long time, but it has only been for one album. That wasThe Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess,which debuted in 2023. The record featured hits such as “Pink Pony Club,” Red Wine Supernova," and “Hot to Go!” Already,it has achieved platinum status in the United States, and has earned Roan a Danish Music Award, an ARIA Music Award, and a Grammy Award. These are the kinds of achievements fans want to see the singer build on, but they need to know what genre it’ll be in.
Why Chappell Roan Has Gone Country For “The Giver”
Chappell Roan Goes Back To Hometown Roots
Hailing from southwest Missouri, Chappell Roan has country roots and “The Giver” which comes out August 10, 2025, was a way to express them. While speaking toApple Music,Roan addressed the relationship with the genre:“I think I have a special relationship to where I’m from because of country music.“This is a relatable sentiment asmusic often reminds listeners of a different time and place. This was the singer’s opportunity to honor that time period in life.
Hailing from southwest Missouri, Chappell Roan has country roots and “The Giver” was a way to express them.
Elaborating further on the song and the point it makes, Roan stated:“I am ultra-pop and, yes, I am a drag queen — who can also perform a country song.“This sentiment seems to be very common in music;many artists have sought to prove they are not confined by one genre. We have witnessed this shift with Post Malone, Taylor Swift, and Gwen Stefani. For Roan, it feels honoring hometown roots will pay off, and the song will be a welcome addition whenever the sophomore album is released. However, this doesn’t mean the entire album will take on the country genre.
Don’t Expect “The Giver” To Kickstart A Country Era For Chappell Roan
Ultra-Pop Is Here To Stay
Chappell Roan enjoys singing songs like “Before He Cheats,” and “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!,” butthat doesn’t mean the singer wants a full album that sounds like those tracks. Roan is adamant that a genre switch is not happening. During an interview withRolling Stone,the idea of this was shot down:“I’m not switching genres or anything. I wanted to write a country song because I just thought it would be funny.“In the song “Pink Pony Club,” Roan sings the lyrics"Oh mama, I’m just having fun,“and that’s exactly what the singer is doing.
“The Giver,” is a fun tune that draws inspiration from the 2004 Big & Rich song, “Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy).” This is Chappell’s version, and will allow artistic expression on the stage, with performances that facilitate plenty of movement. From what is known so far, this next album will feature the country track, a dance track, a ’80s track, an acoustic track, and one with a ’70s vibe. Thus, it will present a wide variety of music, with changing tempos.
However, there’s no need to fear as it will maintain the pop vibes. If there’s one thing to take away from the single “Good Luck, Babe!,” which already has over one billion streams on Spotify, it’s that everything is under control.
Chappell Roan’s Next Album Explained: Everything We Already Know
The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess is a 2025 Grammy Award contender for the Album of the Year, but when will Chappell Roan’s next album release?
As the anticipation builds for the release of Chappell Roan’s sophomore record, it’s important to remember the magic created on the debut album between Roan and songwriter/producer Daniel Nigro. Fans seem to have complete trust in the two to produce something that will meet expectations. They already know from “The Giver” that the lyrics remain strong, and at the end of the day, people just want to see Roan happy.
The singer has been a source of inspiration to so many, and that’s truly the goal of any artist.Roan isn’t trying to be anything other than the performer we’ve come to knowover the years. Simply put, the singer just wants to yodel and twirl, and more than anything, fans just want to keep having fun.
Chappell Roan
Chappell Roan, born Kayleigh Rose Amstutz in Willard, Missouri, has emerged as a dynamic pop sensation known for her 1980s synth-pop style and bold performances influenced by drag culture. Her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, released in September 2023, narrates her journey from a closeted small-town girl to self-discovery. The album’s success, particularly the viral hit “Good Luck, Babe!”, propelled her to perform at major festivals like Coachella and Lollapalooza, and earned her the Best New Artist award at the 2024 MTV VMAs.
