3 February, 2026
chappell-roan-defends-bold-grammys-outfit-after-backlash

Chappell Roan has responded to criticism regarding her striking outfit at the Grammy Awards held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The singer, known for her hit “Hot to Go,” donned a daring burgundy gown layered over a nude bodysuit. The ensemble featured a Mugler cowl-neck design, reminiscent of a piece first showcased during Thierry Mugler’s 1998 couture collection. Roan’s bold choice drew significant attention as she lifted her cape to reveal her breasts, leading to a flurry of reactions online.

Despite the viral attention, Roan, aged 27, left the ceremony empty-handed after being nominated for Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance for her song “The Subway.” Following the event, she took to Instagram to share her thoughts on the backlash. In a post accompanied by five photos of her wearing the Mugler design, she wrote: “Giggling because I don’t even think this is THAT outrageous of an outfit. The look’s actually so awesome and weird. I recommend just exercising your free will it’s really fun and silly 😀 Thank you for having me @grammys and those who voted for me!!”

Roan’s supporters quickly flooded the comments section with praise for her look. One user remarked, “Some people have never seen b00bs in their life and it shows, you looked absolutely INCREDIBLE!” Others echoed similar sentiments, with comments like “By far my fav, wowe wow,” and “Absolutely iconique.”

Roan’s Return to the Grammys

Chappell Roan’s appearance at this year’s Grammy Awards came after she won Best New Artist in 2025. This year, she returned to the stage to present the same award to fellow pop artist Olivia Dean. For this presentation, Roan opted for a more conservative look, choosing a floor-length cream gown that contrasted sharply with her earlier outfit.

The controversy surrounding Roan’s ensemble follows a trend of provocative fashion choices at high-profile events. Just one year prior, Bianca Censori, wife of Kanye West, created a stir with her completely nude dress at the 2025 awards. Such choices have sparked a broader conversation about fashion norms, leading to the Cannes Film Festival’s recent ban on naked outfits on its red carpet.

A Night of Celebrations and Awards

The Grammy Awards also celebrated notable wins across various categories. Bad Bunny took home Album of the Year for “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” while Kendrick Lamar and SZA secured Record of the Year for “Luther.” Billie Eilish earned Song of the Year for “Wildflower,” and Olivia Dean was recognized as Best New Artist. Other winners included Lola Young for Best Pop Solo Performance with “Messy,” Lady Gaga for Best Pop Vocal Album with “Mayhem,” and Jelly Roll for Best Contemporary Country Album with “Beautifully Broken.”

Roan’s daring fashion statement and the subsequent reaction encapsulate the ongoing dialogue about self-expression in the music industry and beyond. As conversations surrounding fashion choices continue to evolve, Roan’s boldness stands as a testament to her commitment to individuality and artistic expression.