Chappell Roan addresses backlash over daring nipple ring dress at 2026 Grammys

Chappell Roan has defended the controversial outfit she wore to the 2026 Grammy Awards.

The 'Good Luck, Babe!' hitmaker - real name Kayleigh Amstutz - turned heads at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday night when she walked the red carpet in a custom-made Mugler dress and cape that was draped from nipple rings.

Taking to Instagram on Monday night, Chappell insisted she didn't know what all the fuss online was about.

"Giggling because I don't even think this is THAT outrageous of an outfit," she wrote in the caption. "The look's actually so awesome and weird. I recommend just exercising your free will it's really fun and silly."

Chappell served as a presenter at the 2026 Grammy Awards, bestowing the 'Best New Artist' prize to Olivia Dean. The 'Pink Pony Club' singer opted to change into a tan chiffon Grecian-style gown for the ceremony.

"Thank you for having me @grammys and those who voted for me!!" the 27-year-old continued.

And in her own post, fashion stylist Genesis Webb explained that she had tapped Mugler designer Miguel Castro Freitas to make the outfit, inspired by Manfred Thierry Mugler's spring-summer 1998 couture collection.

She also noted that Chappell was wearing prosthetic nipple pasties and faux tattoos for the night, as created by make-up artist Sasha Glasser.

"This isn't casual. They're prosthetics, don't take it down !!" she declared.

Chappell was nominated for 'Record of the Year' and 'Best Pop Solo Performance' for her single, 'The Subway', at the annual music event, but she came away empty-handed.