The Kellyoke Effect: How Kelly Clarkson Became Chappell Roan's Biggest, Most Powerful Fan

The unexpected, yet completely magnificent, musical alliance between pop powerhouse Kelly Clarkson and viral queer icon Chappell Roan has become one of the biggest stories in music in late 2024. It’s more than just a passing celebrity endorsement; Clarkson has cemented her status as Chappell Roan's most powerful champion, using the massive platform of *The Kelly Clarkson Show* and its beloved "Kellyoke" segment to introduce the rising star's music to millions of mainstream viewers. The latest and most buzzworthy moment occurred in September 2024, when Clarkson—alongside country superstar Miranda Lambert—delivered a stunning acoustic cover of Roan’s viral hit, "Good Luck, Babe!," confirming that the "Kellyoke Effect" is fully in swing for the Midwest Princess. This intense, repeated support from a Grammy-winning, multi-platinum artist like Kelly Clarkson is a game-changer for Chappell Roan, propelling her from a critically acclaimed, cult-favorite artist to a household name. Clarkson’s deep dives into Roan's discography, covering a total of five songs and counting, demonstrate a genuine appreciation for the artist’s unique sound and unapologetically queer storytelling. This article explores the full depth of this musical connection, the impact of the covers, and the biography of the artist taking the pop world by storm.

Chappell Roan: The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess Profile

Chappell Roan is the professional stage name of American singer-songwriter Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, a rising star whose music blends theatrical pop, 80s synth, and deeply personal, queer-themed narratives. Her aesthetic is as bold as her sound, often featuring elaborate, hyper-feminine, and colorful looks that celebrate drag culture.

• Birth Name: Kayleigh Rose Amstutz
• Date of Birth: February 19, 1998
• Age (as of late 2024): 26
• Hometown: Willard, Missouri, U.S.
• Genre: Pop, Synth-pop, Dark Pop, Electropop
• Debut Studio Album: *The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess* (2023)
• Key Singles: "Good Luck, Babe!", "Pink Pony Club," "Red Wine Supernova," "Naked in Manhattan"
• Career Highlights: Signed a record deal as a teenager; experienced a temporary career setback after being dropped by her major label; independently released music that went viral; gained massive mainstream attention in 2024; Grammy-nominated.
• Musical Style: Known for her campy, theatrical, and honest lyrics that openly embrace queer culture and themes of self-discovery and sexual liberation.

Roan’s music often explores the complexities of growing up queer in the Midwest, a theme that resonates deeply with her growing fanbase, known as "Midwest Princesses." Her commitment to authenticity and her high-energy live performances have made her a breakout sensation, culminating in a surge of popularity in 2024 that has been significantly amplified by the "Kellyoke Effect."

The Kellyoke Effect: A Complete List of Kelly Clarkson's Chappell Roan Covers

The relationship between Kelly Clarkson and Chappell Roan is built entirely on musical admiration. Clarkson, known for her powerful vocal performances and her ability to cover nearly any genre during her "Kellyoke" segment, began publicly championing Roan's work well before the artist achieved widespread mainstream success. This consistent and enthusiastic support is a powerful form of validation that few rising artists ever receive. The covers are not just simple renditions; they are full-throated, magnificent vocal performances that showcase the lyrical depth and pop brilliance of Roan's songwriting. Fans have jokingly called Clarkson the "President of the Chappell Roan Fan Club." Here is a list of the Chappell Roan songs Kelly Clarkson has covered on *The Kelly Clarkson Show*:

1. "Good Luck, Babe!" (September 2024)

The most recent and arguably most impactful cover was the duet of "Good Luck, Babe!" performed with fellow country-pop star Miranda Lambert in September 2024. The song, which is a massive queer anthem, is widely interpreted as being about a closeted woman who is denying her true sexuality, wishing her well as she tries to "go back" to a heteronormative life. Clarkson and Lambert’s acoustic performance brought a raw, emotional intensity to the track, further cementing its status as a significant cultural moment.

2. "Red Wine Supernova" (January 2024)

Clarkson covered the playful and suggestive track "Red Wine Supernova" as part of a "Kellyoke" segment in January 2024. The song, a single from Roan's debut album, is a catchy, fun piece about a night out and a budding attraction to another woman. Clarkson’s powerful rendition introduced this vibrant, queer-pop track to a daytime television audience, earning high praise from fans who noted her magnificent vocal delivery.

3. "Coffee" (Covered in 2023)

One of Clarkson’s earlier dips into the Chappell Roan catalog, the cover of "Coffee" demonstrated her early appreciation for Roan's lyrical style.

4. "My Kink Is Karma" (Covered in 2023)

This track, known for its bold title and dark-pop energy, was another early favorite for the "Kellyoke" segment, showing Clarkson’s willingness to embrace the edgier, more provocative side of Roan’s discography.

5. "Pink Pony Club" (Covered in 2023)

Considered a fan-favorite and a signature track for Chappell Roan, "Pink Pony Club" is an anthem about finding self-acceptance and community in a safe space. Clarkson's cover of this song was a clear signal to her audience that Roan was an artist to watch.

The Impact of Kelly Clarkson’s Endorsement on Chappell Roan’s Career

The power of a Kelly Clarkson endorsement cannot be overstated. *The Kelly Clarkson Show* reaches millions of viewers daily, many of whom may not be familiar with the latest rising stars in the pop and indie music scene. For an artist whose work is deeply rooted in queer identity and culture, having a mainstream, universally beloved figure like Clarkson repeatedly cover her songs has several profound effects:

Mainstream Validation and Exposure

Clarkson’s covers instantly validate Chappell Roan as a serious, talented songwriter. The "Kellyoke" segment is famous for choosing songs that are vocally challenging and lyrically compelling, positioning Roan’s material among tracks by legends like Adele, Whitney Houston, and other pop icons. This exposure is crucial, as it bypasses traditional music industry gatekeepers and delivers Roan’s music directly to a massive, diverse audience.

Amplifying Queer Narratives

By choosing to cover songs like "Good Luck, Babe!" and "Red Wine Supernova," Kelly Clarkson is using her platform to normalize and celebrate queer narratives in a mainstream context. This is a powerful act of allyship, introducing themes of self-discovery and queer love to an audience that might not otherwise seek out such content. Miranda Lambert’s participation in the "Good Luck, Babe!" cover further broadened the reach of this message into the country music sphere.

The "Stan" Factor

The sheer number of covers—five songs from one relatively new artist—suggests a personal passion on Clarkson's part, which fans and media outlets have enthusiastically picked up on. This genuine "stan" energy translates into a compelling story that drives organic buzz and media coverage, ensuring that the "Kelly Clarkson Chappell Roan" connection remains a trending topic throughout 2024. The consistent support has led to a noticeable increase in streams and sales for Chappell Roan, solidifying her status as one of the year’s most significant breakout artists.