LOS ANGELES — American pop artist Chappell Roan drew widespread attention at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, February 1, 2026, by arriving on the red carpet in a custom sheer burgundy Mugler gown that appeared to hang from nipple piercings, prompting a broad cultural conversation about fashion and artistic expression, according to multiple reports.
Roan, 27, was among the headline-making figures at the ceremony held at the Crypto.com Arena, where she was nominated for both Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance for her song “The Subway,” but did not perform. Her outfit, described by fashion media as a high-fashion reinterpretation of a Mugler design secured to faux nipple rings, was paired with a matching sheer cape and visible tattoos, landing it at the center of social media discussion within minutes of her appearance.
Images and video of the ensemble circulated widely online, with reactions spanning admiration for Roan’s avant-garde styling to criticism and commentary about the boundaries of red carpet fashion. Some fans defended the choice as a confident artistic statement, while others debated its appropriateness in mainstream awards contexts.
Officials from the Recording Academy did not issue a statement about the look itself, focusing commentary on the awards and the broader show, which saw major wins for artists including Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish and Kendrick Lamar. Roan did, according to fashion outlets, change into a more traditional gown later in the evening before presenting an award on stage.
The bold red carpet moment builds on Roan’s rising public profile following her breakout success with hits like “Good Luck, Babe!”, which helped her debut album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess gain critical and commercial acclaim and earned her a Best New Artist Grammy in 2025. Known for her expressive personal style and outspoken views on artistic identity and the music industry, Roan’s fashion choice at this year’s ceremony adds to ongoing discussions within pop culture about self-expression and industry norms.
The 2026 Grammy Awards also highlighted a full slate of performances and awardees, with the ceremony blending music’s commercial achievements with broader cultural moments.
ALSO READ: Former CNN Anchor Don Lemon Taken Into Custody in Los Angeles Over Minnesota Church Protest
Hannah Price is a digital journalist who covers breaking news, global events, and trending stories with accuracy and speed. She has previously contributed to several online magazines and has built a reputation for verifying facts before publishing. Hannah believes in responsible reporting and aims to present stories in a way that readers can trust.
