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The Internet Is Divided On If Chappell Roan Is An Industry Plant

Chappell Roan’s popularity has been rapidly growing, especially on TikTok. I mean who isn’t doing the “HOT TO GO!” dance every chance they get? Chappell has it all — catchy songs to dance to, sad songs to cry to, and angry songs to scream to. Not many artists have the effect that Chappell so effortlessly has. 

But due to her soaring popularity, many have begun to label her as an “industry plant.” To simply put it, the running theory is that Chappell is only popular because of a large label/industry push that is being masqueraded as homegrown talent.

Many are speculating this because of just how fast her rise to fame was. For example, this can be seen in the “recommended for you” part of Spotify where songs are selected at random based on your listening activity. Some have noticed that after an album, song, or playlist comes to an end, a Chappell Roan song plays as the first recommendation. Algorithm or industry plant? My bet is on the former.

Many are (rightfully) clapping back at this allegation. Since Chappell Roan has been an opener on Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts Tour, it totally makes sense that her popularity has grown. Since then, her songs have gone viral on TikTok and been used in trends, such as her song “Casual.” Chappell also had a popular NPR tiny desk concert (which has garnered over 3 million views) that many believe skyrocketed her to fame as it showcased her raw vocals and captivating stage presence. 

Since the running industry plant theory began making its rounds on the internet, fans have been jumping to Chappell’s defense on X, formerly Twitter, and I’m all for it.

@confusedalbatross

An industry plant are the people booking tours that can’t sell 50% of the venue, not the artists selling out massive stages #chappellroan #industryplant

♬ original sound – Confused Albatross
@ghostgirl177

Twitter is so foolish, not every female artist that gets famous is an industry plant 😭 #chappellroan

♬ Good Luck Babe – relatetomusic

It’s evident that Chappell Roan has worked hard to be where she is now. Though she began in small venues, she is finally getting the recognition she so deserves, as she’s now performing at huge festivals where she brings in *huge* crowds.

I, for one, will continue to defend Chappell Roan against the industry plant rumors because TBH, she’s far from one. 

Amanda Brown is a current national writer for Her Campus, focusing largely on the Entertainment & Culture vertical. She was formerly the Summer 2024 Entertainment & Culture intern, writing about all things pop culture! Beyond Her Campus, Amanda is a sophomore Writing and Rhetoric major with an Honors Interdisciplinary Studies minor at James Madison University. Amanda is the Founder/President/Editorial Director of JMU's Spoon University chapter and the Junior Social Media Manager of JMU's Her Campus chapter. She is also a member of Gamma Phi Beta. In her free time, Amanda loves binge-watching reality TV (especially while drinking iced lattes) and going on long walks (ideally using it as a yap session or listening to music). Amanda loves reading romance novels while listening to Taylor Swift and Gracie Abrams.