Chappell Roan’s Surprising Grammy Dream: It’s Not What You Think
For most musicians, winning a Grammy is the ultimate achievement, but Chappell Roan has her eyes on a different prize. The 26-year-old pop sensation has had a whirlwind year, launching herself into the stratosphere of stardom. Her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, soared on the Billboard 200 Chart, landing just behind Taylor Swift. She also performed at some of the biggest festivals, such as Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits, and even snagged the Best New Artist award at the MTV Video Music Awards.
Now, with the Grammy Awards around the corner and voting wrapping up on October 15, Roan seems poised for a Best New Artist nomination. But, in a twist that might surprise many, Roan has expressed that she isn’t too concerned about these accolades. In a recent interview, she humorously shared, “I’m kind of hoping I don’t win, because then everyone will get off my ass.”
Despite her nonchalant attitude toward typical awards, there is one Grammy that Roan is eagerly hoping to win—and it’s a category many might not even know exists: Best Recording Package.
The Award That Matters Most to Roan
The Grammy Award for Best Recording Package recognizes the visual and creative direction behind an album’s look, specifically honoring the art director. Roan and her creative director, Ramisha Sattar, are actively campaigning for this award. Earlier this week, the duo took to social media, asking fans to send positive energy and manifest their nomination. “Please, please, please put some type of energy, a spell, whatever, that we get nominated for the Grammy,” Roan implored in a video.
Why is this particular award so important to Roan? The answer lies in the deep creative partnership between her and Sattar. Roan credits Sattar with much of her aesthetic, from her campy, over-the-top visuals to her bold, drag-inspired persona. “She has the vision behind my aesthetics, merch, and the feeling of campiness. She brings the camp to the project. That is very rare and it needs to be spotlighted,” Roan told CNN in an email interview.
A Unique Creative Collaboration
Sattar’s work has played an integral role in shaping Roan’s public image. The two first connected through Instagram, when Roan discovered Sattar’s artistic collages and reached out. Since then, Sattar has been responsible for everything from the animations that play during Roan’s live shows to the design of her single covers and even her makeup and costumes. “She is just as much Chappell Roan as I am, honestly,” Roan said, emphasizing the collaborative nature of their partnership.
This week, Roan and Sattar launched a special paper doll kit to accompany the vinyl edition of The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess. The album, which features a theater curtain sleeve over the cover, allows fans to create their own miniature stage—an idea designed by Sattar and inspired by the duo’s love for playful, hands-on creativity. “The paper dolls were something we were always dreaming about,” Sattar shared, adding that she hopes the project will encourage fans to engage in tactile art and DIY creativity.
Crafting a Grammy-Worthy Vision
In an industry where artists are often the sole recipients of public praise, Roan is determined to share the spotlight with her team. “This project isn’t just my ideas. There’s a huge team working on it. It’s because of everyone’s creativity that it’s working,” Roan explained, calling Sattar her “twin flame.”
When Grammy nominations are revealed on November 8, Roan and Sattar hope to see their work recognized in the packaging category—and perhaps even see the award televised. “I would love for it to be televised so that more people can experience the art of packaging,” Sattar said.
For Roan, winning this award would not just be about personal success but about honoring the creativity and emotional impact of her collaborative projects. “Ramisha is so inspiring to me because she really leads with her inner child and what is cute and makes her feel good. That is how I try to run my project – as genuine as possible and honor my inner child,” Roan said. Together, the duo continues to push artistic boundaries, and whether or not they win the Grammy, they’ve already captured the hearts and imaginations of their fans.
