Chappell Roan didn’t need a trophy to win the night at the 2026 Grammy Awards. Just one year after her “Best New Artist” sweep, the “Midwest Princess” returned to the Crypto.com Arena to prove that she is officially pop music’s most unpredictable force. From a “naked” dress that stopped the red carpet to a surprising shut-out in the major categories, here is why Chappell was the only name on anyone’s lips.
The Viral Mugler “Naked” Dress
Chappell didn’t just walk the carpet; she staged a moment. She arrived in a sheer, deep maroon Mugler gown that appeared to be suspended entirely by nipple rings.
The look was a daring tribute to Manfred Thierry Mugler’s iconic 1998 “Jeu de Paume” collection. To lean into the “medieval fantasy” theme, she showcased intricate body art, including a massive lace henna-style tattoo on her back and symbols across her chest that fans immediately linked to her “Pink Pony Club” era.
A Surprising Night of “Snubs”
Despite the massive cultural success of her hit single “The Subway,” Roan left the 68th Annual Awards empty-handed.
She was nominated for two major prizes but saw Record of the Year go to Kendrick Lamar and SZA, while Best Pop Solo Performance went to British breakout Lola Young. On social media, “Chappell Snubbed” began trending almost immediately, with fans arguing that her impact on the charts deserved more recognition from the Academy.
Passing the Torch to Olivia Dean
While she didn’t win, Chappell remained the heart of the show. She performed a dramatic mid-show outfit change, switching into a flowing, one-shoulder cream Rodarte gown to present the Best New Artist award.
In a touching full-circle moment, she handed the trophy to British soul singer Olivia Dean. It was a poised, professional contrast to her rebellious red-carpet persona, proving that Roan can play the “industry veteran” just as well as the “indie disruptor.”
Why She Still Won the Night
You don’t always need a Grammy to dominate the news cycle. Between her viral interactions with fellow stars and her unapologetic fashion, Chappell Roan cemented her status as an artist who prioritizes art over accolades. As she prepares for her upcoming festival run, she leaves the 2026 Grammys as the most searched—and most discussed—artist of the year.
