Youth rewrite social norms

It has always been the case that young people drive societal change.

- Yamini Chinnuswamy

She also nabbed nominations in the "big four" categories of the Grammy Awards 2025: Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best New Artist.

Ms Lena points out that Roan and Charli XCX embody a similar vibe in their music and aesthetic, one that discards other people's expectations in favour of staying true to yourself.

"With the LGBTQIA community garnering more support and inclusivity, there is a growing trend of dressing and behaving in such a way as to please yourself and not anyone else - which is why I feel Chappelle and Charli have resonated, particularly with the younger generation," she says.

Roan faces stiff competition from another pop girlie who also experienced an astronomical ascent to stardom in 2024: American singer Carpenter, who also received "big four" nominations for her sixth studio album, Short N' Sweet.

The 25-year-old has been making music since the age of 15. But, just as with Roan, taking on a supporting role in another female pop star's high-profile concert tour helped elevate Carpenter into the upper echelons of pop culture.

In Carpenter's case, she opened for Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concerts in Australia and Asia in the first few months of the year.

Her role in The Eras Tour expanded her fan base, and netted her the momentum needed to send her next two song releases - Espresso and Please Please Please - skyrocketing up the musical charts over the summer.