EntertainmentChappell Roan reflects on religious upbringing: ‘I felt like a sin’Singer spoke about the difficulties of growing up in a conservative environment and how this impacted her identity today at 2:58 pm

Chappell Roan shared reflections on his religious upbringing during his participation in the special A Carpool Karaoke Christmasreleased on Sunday (15) on Apple TV+ and Apple Music. In the episode, the singer was alongside Zane LoweApple Music presenter, and his parents, Kara and Dwighton a trip through Missouri, his home state.

Along the way, they sang together tracks like Pink Pony Club and Last Christmasfrom Wham!recreating moments that Roan also presented in the Christmas special with Sabrina Carpenter. During the program, the singer opened up about how religion shaped her youth:

I know that for many people this is liberating. For me, the opposite happened, where I felt like I couldn’t be myself, that who I was was a sin and that I was going to hell, no matter how much I loved God or was a good person, because I was gay. I couldn’t stand feeling embarrassed anymore.

Elsewhere, she commented on how moving to Los Angeles helped bring her more personal freedom, although she still maintains gratitude for her origins. “In a conservative community, I understand the fear and where it comes from. It’s scary when it’s something you don’t know or understand. It’s gradual conversations, step by step, and not giving up on people who helped you when you were a child. For me, the door needs to be open, or there is no learning.”

In an interview prior to NMERoan had already detailed the contradictions of his creation. “I was raised listening to Christian rock, but I never identified. I always felt torn because I was very curious about pop music, but I didn’t know why I connected with it so much. It spoke of a lifestyle that I didn’t live. I was very protected and demure.”

She also said that overcoming the impact of her religious upbringing was a gradual process while living in Los Angeles, especially in the queer heart of West Hollywood. “They said that this city was demonic and that Satanists lived there. But when I arrived in West Hollywood, I realized that everything that scared me wasn’t necessarily true – especially about the queer community. Going to gay clubs for the first time was spiritual.”

Roan’s mother, Kara, also spoke in the special about the meaning of Pink Pony Club:“I got emotional listening to her sing now. We really love what she does, who she is and what she represents. I love singing this song with her at shows and seeing how people respond so much to this song.”

Dwight, the singer’s father, added: “I hope she knows that we love her very much and are always proud of her. I think about it a lot and try not to get emotional. She taught me to respect other people and the community as a whole. Everything about her is about loving everyone, and that’s something she taught me.”