“The Dress That Stopped the Grammys”

The “Bad Romance” singer made a dramatic statement on the red carpet at the 2026 Grammy Awards, stunning fans and photographers alike with a daring fashion choice. The Grammy-winning artist, who took home Best New Artist in 2025, arrived in a sheer maroon gown that quickly became one of the most talked-about looks of the night.

Her custom Mugler creation featured a nearly invisible bodice, giving the illusion that the maroon fabric was suspended against her skin. Faux nipples and decorative nipple rings were built into the design, creating a provocative visual that flowed into a dramatic train revealing black underwear beneath the sheer layers. For interviews, she added a coordinating maroon cape and wore her long red hair over her chest for a more subtle presentation.

The artist behind the unforgettable look was Chappell Roan, who elevated her second-ever Grammys red carpet appearance far beyond her debut. The gown drew inspiration from Manfred Thierry Mugler’s 1998 “Jeu de Paume” couture collection, reimagined for Mugler’s Spring/Summer 2026 line by designer Miguel Castro Freitas.

Almost immediately, fans began debating what they were seeing. Some wondered whether Roan was topless, while others quickly clarified that the effect came from cleverly placed mesh fabric. Online reactions poured in, with one fan calling it “the wildest Grammy outfit in years,” while others joked that it looked like she forgot to put on a shirt. Some admired the illusion and boldness, while others laughed at the confusion it caused.

Although Roan wasn’t performing this year, she remained a focal point of the ceremony. She presented the Best New Artist award and received two nominations herself — Best Pop Solo Performance and Record of the Year for her hit song “The Subway.” Despite not winning, her presence and style ensured she remained one of the most discussed artists of the night.

Her influence goes beyond fashion. During her 2025 Grammy acceptance speech, Roan made headlines for challenging record labels to treat artists fairly. She spoke openly about being signed as a minor, later being dropped, and struggling to afford health insurance during the pandemic. She urged labels to provide artists with livable wages and healthcare, asking directly, “Labels, we got you — but do you got us?”

Roan’s journey began when she uploaded music to YouTube under the name Kayleigh Rose. She was signed by Atlantic Records in 2015, dropped in 2020, and rebuilt her career after joining Dan Nigro’s Amusement Records in 2023. That partnership led to her breakout album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, released with Island Records.

Just days before the Grammys, Roan was also honored at the 2026 Resonator Awards by We Are Moving the Needle, where she received the Harmonizer Award from Heart’s Nancy Wilson for using her platform to support social change.

Accepting the award, Roan spoke about generosity and responsibility, saying that artists — and anyone with money — have a duty to give back. Her combination of outspoken advocacy, musical success, and fearless fashion continues to keep her at the center of pop culture conversation.

From a dropped artist to a Grammy-winning, culture-shaping star, Chappell Roan has made it clear that she’s here not just to entertain — but to be heard.