Pop star Chappell Roan made a memorable debut on the 2025 Grammys red carpet, showcasing a head-turning vintage look that paid tribute to her unique style and artistic vision. The 26-year-old singer, born Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, arrived at the star-studded event wearing a 2003 Jean Paul Gaultier dress from the spring/summer couture collection, complete with the original colorful feather-like hat. Her daring ensemble, known for its high-fashion drama, reflected her fearless approach to fashion—something fans have come to expect from the rising star.
Roan’s fashion choices often lean into the avant-garde and campy, as seen in her previous red carpet appearances, like her Lady Liberty-inspired look at the 2024 Governors Ball and her medieval-inspired outfit at the 2024 MTV VMAs. For the Grammys, she took it a step further by opting for a rare archival piece. “Also got some long nails, a lot of glam today,” she told the Associated Press with a smile as she struck a pose on the red carpet.
Chappell Roan at the Grammys. Photo: David Fisher / Shutterstock
E!’s fashion correspondent Zanna Roberts Rassi shared behind-the-scenes details, revealing that Roan’s stylist, Genesis Webb, had dreamed of this moment for years. “She had this look on her vision board for 10 years and slept with it in her room because it’s that precious,” Rassi said during the live red carpet pre-show. Roan’s makeup, designed to complement the bold dress, featured her signature porcelain-doll aesthetic with blue-and-gold eyeshadow and a deep cherry lip.
A Year of Triumphs and Gratitude
While her fashion choices were certainly a highlight of the evening, Roan also took the time to reflect on what has been an explosive year for her. The Missouri native has experienced a meteoric rise in her music career, fueled by her breakout hit “Good Luck Babe!” and the success of her 2023 album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess. In a conversation with the Associated Press, Roan admitted that she’s thoroughly enjoying her current success, describing her career as a journey full of both fun and challenges.
“I’m having fun with my career right now,” she shared, “but I also take the rebuilding of my community after the Los Angeles fires very seriously. We lost so much. Like, my community was lost. But in times like these, I hold on to the joy of art and drag, and I lift up the girls because we all lost. It’s so important to keep that positivity.”
Roan also emphasized the emotional weight of attending the 2025 Grammys. “Just to be here at such an iconic Grammys, I feel very honored. It’s a poignant moment for people to donate and support each other,” she added.
Chappell Roan at the Grammys. Photo: David Fisher / Shutterstock
Nominations and Performances
Roan’s stunning red carpet appearance coincided with her remarkable six Grammy nominations. Alongside artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Taylor Swift, Roan is nominated in several major categories, including Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Solo Performance for “Good Luck Babe!” Her album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess is up for Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album. She is also nominated for Best New Artist, competing against other rising talents such as Carpenter, Benson Boone, and Doechii.
In addition to her nominations, Roan is scheduled to perform later in the evening, a milestone that marks another high point in her rapidly ascending career. Her infectious energy and unapologetic artistry have made her a standout performer, both in the studio and on stage.
A Spiritual and Emotional Journey
Ahead of the 2025 Grammys, Roan opened up on Instagram about the emotional rollercoaster she’s been on this year. “It’s Grammy week. I am very emo,” she posted. “My heart feels warm and fuzzy with all the support I’ve been given this past year. It’s been incredible and scary and spiritual and confusing.” She went on to express gratitude for her fans, noting that the overwhelming support from her followers has been a source of both joy and reflection.
“I’ve been crying tears of joy and grief, feeling loved and lonely and free,” she wrote, before thanking her fans for their unwavering support. “Ultimately, I’m grateful for everyone who gave my music a little spin and showed up to shows and festivals. Y’all are rockstars, and I feel like a rockstar too.”
From “Saturday Night Live” to the Grammys
Roan’s journey to the Grammys stage also includes her landmark appearance on Saturday Night Live in late 2024, where she stunned viewers with multiple fashion-forward moments. For her performance of “Pink Pony Club,” Roan donned a Bride of Frankenstein-inspired look with a glittery white sequin dress. She later changed into a gingham two-piece and cowboy boots for her new country-style song, “The Giver.”
However, it was her promo outfit that truly left an impression. Designed by Project Runway alum Gunnar Deatherage, the elaborate burlesque-inspired look, complete with a massive headpiece, was originally intended for a stage performance but ultimately became one of the most striking fashion moments of the year. Deatherage and his team spent nearly 500 hours creating the intricate ensemble, which Roan wore for her SNL promo shots.
As Roan makes her mark on the 2025 Grammys, she is also commemorating a pivotal year that has solidified her place as one of pop’s most innovative voices. From groundbreaking performances to unforgettable red carpet looks, Roan’s 2025 journey continues to capture the attention of music fans and fashion enthusiasts alike. As she reflects on her career and community, she is undeniably on a trajectory toward even greater success.
The 67th Annual Grammy Awards, hosted by Trevor Noah, will broadcast live from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Fans can tune in on CBS or stream the event live and on-demand on Paramount+.
