Whether you’ve hopped on the trend or not, walking pads are everywhere right now, keeping you mobile while working a desk job or helping you stay active from the comfort of your home. We love a couch WFH day as much as the next person, but using an under-desk treadmill for even short periods throughout the day can help keep your blood flowing, your energy up, and your productivity high. And when cold, rainy weather makes our daily hot girl walks a thing of the past, our trusty walking pad is there to make sure we still get our 10,000 steps in.

Looking to try one out yourself? Sorting through the noise of endless options and reviews is no easy task. We’ve done the legwork (lol) for you. Our team has tried some of the most popular Amazon walking pads and is sharing their best recs below. What’s even better, it’s currently Amazon Prime Day and there are a ton of walking pad deals. Read on for the ones our team swears by:

Amazon

I purchased this walking pad last fall, and it truly helped me get through a long and particularly cold winter season. I loved having the option to get some steps in without leaving the house—and without having to invest in a full-size treadmill. This one in particular was one of the most affordable options I found that still offered the sleek look I wanted and the positive reviews I needed to feel confident in my purchase. A full year later, I have no regrets!

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— Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor

Sale price: $109 After Sale: $129

Amazon

I solely chose my walking pad based off of volume of reviews and review results! The Goplus treadmill has over 10,000 reviews, the majority of which are positive, which was evidence enough for me.

The foldable design means this one can be used to both jog when the risers are lifted and to walk under a standing desk when they are not.

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— Megan Kemp, Senior Sales Manager

Sale price: $279 After Sale: $299

Amazon

When I decided I wanted a walking pad, my main priority was making sure it looked great. Our house is small and I knew I would see it a lot and if I didn’t like looking at it then I knew I would inevitably end up hiding it away. This foldable walking pad was the prettiest I could find and much to my surprise it is super sturdy and almost feels more solid than the treadmills at my gym. While I don’t use it while working it’s perfect for when I want to get my steps in while watching TV.

— Kirra Wallace, Deputy Art Director

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Sale price: $399 After sale: $499

Amazon

I wanted a reliable walking pad that was under $200 so that I could get some steps in while I work. I like that this one came in white and has an LED screen that tracks how fast you’re going, the time you’ve walked, and how many miles you’ve walked. It also comes with a free app that keeps track of your walks which came in handy during our team’s 30 day walking challenge.

— Kaia Grobe, Video Content Editor

Amazon

As someone who does not own a standing desk but loves to get steps in during meetings, this walking pad with a removable desk is one of the best purchases I’ve made in years. I also love that it’s foldable, comes with a remote, and goes up to 8.6 mph if I ever feel so inclined to run.

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— Hailey Bouche, Associate Editor

Sale price: $399 After sale: $499

Amazon

In all my years of trying various products, rituals, and tricks, getting a walking pad has been one of the best wellness hacks I have ever tried, and is something that I have consistently used for the past couple of years. For me, I love using my walking pad when I have a packed schedule or am in meetings all day, or when I don’t feel like working out but want to get some movement in while watching TV. However, it’s also been a game-changer to improve my energy and creativity.  Even just 20 minutes on my treadmill can improve my work output and energy. I got my treadmill a few years ago so it’s very basic and simple–which is exactly what I wanted.

— Josie Santi, Senior Wellness Editor & Podcast Host

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Sale price: $139 After sale: $169

Amazon

I hope you don’t mind us cheating a bit. This walking pad hasn’t been tested by our team, but with a 4.7 average rating and a deal that brings it to less than 100 dollars, I just had to share it. It’s compact, easy to carry, and if simple is what you’re going for, this will more than get the job done.

Sale price: $89 After sale: $199

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jenna Piotrowicz, Editorial Assistant

Jenna began working as an Editorial Assistant for The Everygirl in 2024. With her eye for detail, she assists the team with content creation, sourcing products and images, and works behind the scenes to support The Everygirl in uploading and updating content.

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In a world full of $600 hair tools (hi, Dyson Airwrap), $1,200 exercise bikes, and $8,000 handbags, how do we know what’s a money grab and which are truly worth the investment? With so many choices, discerning what’s worth the splurge can be challenging. But at The Everygirl, our editors are all about saving money (saving for the next trip, anyone?), so when we decide to make a big purchase, it better live up to its price tag. After much consideration, we’re confident about one thing: the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer is absolutely worth the investment.

Why are we so sure? After testing the Dyson Supersonic for over a year, we’ve come to appreciate its impressive performance, and how it works for a variety of hair types. Whether you’re wondering how it compares to other high-end tools or if it’s the best hair dryer for frizz control, we’ve got you covered. From the Dyson hair dryer’s performance versus regular dryers to understanding if it’s really worth the buzz, we’re breaking down everything you need to know.

In this review, we’ll also share how to make the most of your Dyson hair dryer—whether you have fine, straight hair or thick, curly locks—based on the experiences of two of our editors, each with very different hair types. If you’re still debating whether the Dyson Supersonic is right for you, keep reading to see why we believe this high-end hair dryer truly stands out in a market flooded with options—and why it may just be the best investment for achieving salon-quality hair at home.

About the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer

Consider this the hair dryer of the future. The Dyson Supersonic claims to increase smoothness and shine while decreasing frizz and nix your drying time and all the breakage you might associate with blow drying. The Dyson V9 motor uses their patented Air Multiplier technology, which produces lots of air at a controlled rate to dry your hair faster. On the damage front, the Dyson dryer actually measures the heat coming out of the dryer 40 times a second to regulate and control how hot the tool gets to prevent the damage we’ve come to expect with hot tools. Less damage makes the hair shinier and smoother—when you use the tool and over time. And if you’re worried about frizz, don’t be: The dryer uses negative ions to reduce static in the air and keep your hair smooth all day long. 

The Dyson Supersonic has three speeds (low, medium, high) and four temperature settings, including a cold shot. It also comes with three attachments: a diffuser and two nozzles (one for smoothing and one for concentrating air flow, great for blowouts and styling bangs). Dyson also launched three additional attachments since the Supersonic was released, including the Flyaway Attachment (for smoothing down flyaways), the Wide Tooth Comb Attachment (for stretching curly and coily hair), and the Gentle Air Attachment (for diffusing and controlling the heat to protect fine hair types). 

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Sale price: $329 After Sale: $429

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The design is very sleek. For something with so much innovative tech, you’d expect a clunky, heavy tool that hurts to hold up for more than a few minutes—but not the Dyson Supersonic. Compared to other hair dryers, this is actually much lighter to hold, and the design is easy to maneuver around your head. The motor at the center of the device is smaller and brushless, unlike typical hair dryers, which makes it much quieter and lighter to hold. If you’re used to considering your daily blow dry an arm workout, you might have to rethink your workout routine with this. Dyson designed the dryer as an homage to their bestselling fans, hence the hole at the center that makes its design so iconic.

While you’re holding the tool, you don’t have to worry that your hand will get hot holding it or touching the attachments, which are magnetic and easy to slip on and off when you’re styling. 

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer for Thin Hair

Beth: About My Hair

My fine, thin, straight hair pretty much always looks lifeless. Without any oomph, my hair sticks flat against my head, making it look even thinner than it actually is. I haven’t bleached my hair in a year (woo!), so my hair is pretty much entirely my natural color (plus a little dimension at the ends from past highlighting). But I’m not without troubles, as without any color, my hair is extremely oily. I can go just one day in between washes, and that second-day hair looks bad. So I’m washing my hair a lot more than I ever have, and I’m doing everything I can to keep the ends moisturized and healthy.

I have a medium-length bob haircut that just brushes my shoulders and curtain bangs that are in desperate need of a trim. I’ve had curtain bangs for two years now, and I can’t imagine myself ever having a different haircut. But obviously, curtain bangs require quite a bit of styling, so I have to make sure to blow dry them in place every single day.

Beth: My Review of The Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer

Yes, I am a beauty editor, but I sat on trying this dryer for a long time. Based on everything you read above about my hair, I just never felt like this dryer would be worth it. My hair dries quickly (both with nothing and with a hair dryer), and I don’t have much of it. My dryer that’s a solid $200 cheaper than the Dyson will suffice—or so I thought.

The first thing I noticed about the Dyson was that it comes with everything. My other hair dryer came with just the hair dryer, so if I wanted any accessories (diffuser, concentrator, brushes, etc.), I had to order them separately, which added up.

It’s important that I style my curtain bangs every day or they’d just fall flat and straight. I use one of the concentrator nozzles (it doesn’t matter which; I’ve had the same experience using both) and the round brush that comes with the dryer to blow them out and give them lots of volume and shape. I suck with round brushes and otherwise have used the Revlon One-Step Volumizer to do my bangs since I got them because I can’t figure out how to hold a brush and a dryer at the same time, but somehow, the Dyson makes it really easy. I caught on quickly and have used this method to do my bangs for months without fail.

Beth: Results

And next thing I knew, I had become a simp for all things Dyson. While other hair dryers can definitely dry my hair quickly, the Dyson is in a league of its own. The first time I used it, I timed my drying time on my phone. The result? 1:40:11. Less than two minutes to dry my whole head. Yes, my hair is short and fine, but it takes more time to make a cup of instant coffee. That alone immediately made the Dyson worth the cash to me. I am often running late, but I never worry if I have enough time to blow dry now. I always have two minutes.

Whenever I use blow dryers, my hair feels fried. No matter what I do, my ends get crunchy and my hair looks frizzy. With this dryer, I almost forgot to even say this because it has completed transformed how my hair feels after blow drying. I used to dread blow drying my hair, and if I wanted my hair to look good, I’d bake in extra time to air dry. Now? I look forward to blow drying my hair because I know it’ll always look and feel healthy and smooth.

But far and wide, what made this hair dryer worth it for me is how much volume it added to my hair. Like I’ve said, I have fine, thin, straight hair—what on Earth do I need a splurgey hair dryer for? I’ve discovered that on my hair type, the Dyson Supersonic is a dream for creating lots of big volume (and I mean big). I use the round brush that comes with the dryer (which is perfect for curtain bangs, I must add) and one of the concentrator nozzles to style my bangs and add a little volume to my roots. Otherwise, I rough dry without any attachments, and my hair always looks like I just stepped off a movie set.

Beth: Is the Dyson Hair Dryer Worth It for Thin Hair?

A resounding yes, yes, yes. I never imagined a $400 hunk of plastic would have such a hold on me, but I don’t care. Since I got my Dyson hair dryer, I offloaded my old dryers to my mom and friends because I refuse to use anything else. My hair has never been better, and while good health, no bleach, and lots of Olaplex are what I have to thank for my hair’s health, the Dyson is what’s making it look good.

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer for Curly Hair

Garri: About My Hair

Let me take you back about 10 years. I was 18, just starting college, and deciding who I wanted to be for the rest of my life (I can’t be alone in thinking that college was going to be the start of a whole new me). Part of that decision-making process was finally figuring out what exactly I was going to do with my hair.

My hair is very curly—a mixture of 3b and 3c curls—and I spent most of my puberty years straightening it by any means necessary. At 18, I decided enough was enough and set out to finally learn a thing or two about caring for my curls. Fast forward to now, and I’ve got my hair care down to a science. I know exactly what products to use, how to style it, how to sleep with it (I could write an entire book about sleeping with curly hair), and how to keep it healthy. The result? I have extremely long (don’t let that shrinkage fool you), healthy curls. There’s only one aspect of my hair that I could do without: the insanely long drying process. That’s where the Dyson hair dryer comes in.

Garri: The Dyson Supersonic Performance vs Regular Dryers

I spent years using whatever cheap blow dryer and diffuser attachment Ulta had available, and they were always just fine. They weren’t amazing, but they did dry my hair (even if it took over an hour) just fine. When the Dyson hair dryer came out, I knew I had to get it—I just couldn’t stomach the price. So instead of just biting the bullet and buying the hair dryer every YouTuber and their mother seemed to use, I struggled with my cheap option and, more often than not, just opted for air drying to save my arms from the pain that came with holding a diffuser to my head for hours each week.

When I finally purchased the Dyson, I was immediately blown away (LOL). It’s sleek, lightweight compared to the behemoths I used to use, and so easy to navigate. Of all the hair dryers I’ve used, the Dyson is truly unmatched. The heat controls are the most precise I’ve ever seen and the technology ensures that even on a higher heat setting, I’m not doing too much damage to my hair. With the Dyson, I actually look forward to this part of my routine rather than dread and avoid it altogether.

Garri: Is the Dyson Hair Dryer Worth It for Curly Hair?

The only regret I have with the Dyson is that I didn’t buy it sooner. Yes, it’s an investment, but it’s made my hair routine so much easier. What used to be an hour or more of drying with other dryers is only about 30 minutes with the Dyson. The time-saving aspect alone makes it so worth it. But a major part of my journey to healthy hair has also been avoiding heat damage as much as possible. With the Dyson, I know I’m protecting my hair from damage while still getting it dry in a flash. There’s no longer the need to sacrifice my hair health for the sake of not walking around with wet hair all day, and I love that for me.

Amazon

Sale price: $329 After Sale: $429

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Sale price: $499 After Sale: $599

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Sale price: $449 After Sale: $499

MEET THE AUTHOR

Garri Chaverst, Senior Managing Editor

As Senior Managing Editor of The Everygirl, Garri oversees the pitching, planning, and creation of all content. You might also find her name pop up as a contributor throughout the site, though she mostly works behind the scenes. Though comfortable writing a story on any topic at the drop of a hat, Garri shines in the pop culture sphere. If you’re looking for in-depth coverage of entertainment properties or book recommendations, she’s your girl.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Beth Gillette, Former Editor

Beth Gillette is a former editor at The Everygirl, where she specialized in beauty content and covered the latest trends in sex and relationships. Beth spent four years as part of The Everygirl’s editorial staff and is currently a beauty editor at Cosmopolitan.

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You already know that music can be good for your mental health: some songs transport you to a fond memory and create a sense of nostalgia, ballads are ideal for letting the tears flow, and some lyrics make you feel seen or understood. But according to music psychologist David M. Greenberg‘s collaboration with Spotify, certain jams are also scientifically proven to help you wake up in a better mood and sustain more energy throughout the day. Greenberg created the “perfect morning playlist” to give you a little extra (friendly) nudge to get out of bed and take on the day—no coffee, cold shower, or jarring alarm clock necessary. So, does the playlist really work? Keep reading to find out. Plus, the best songs to wake up to. Your mornings just got a little bit brighter.

Elements of an Ideal Wakeup Song:

According to Greenberg, there are three key characteristics to score the title of a perfect wake-up song:

1. It builds slowly

Typical alarm clocks (think: an old-school beeping or most alarms on the iPhone) jolt you awake, increasing your cortisol, which can impact stress throughout the day. Instead, songs that start mellow, build gradually, and feel pleasant and engaging help ease you into waking up naturally for a steady and calm wake-up instead of a cortisol-inducing one. What’s more, a study in Music Perception showed that music with a gradual tempo increase can enhance arousal levels and improve mood—all things that can help you wake up with more energy and a steadier mood. “Slowly increasing arousal makes it easier to transition from sleep to an alert state,” said Laura Devis, a researcher at MassiveMusic by Songtradr.

2. It has a strong tempo

Devis explained that the tempo of a song is key to its energizing effect on the brain, with the sweet spot falling between 100 and 130 beats per minute (Fun fact: Many songwriters consider 120 BPM to be the perfect tempo for crafting a hit—see Cyndi Lauper’s Girls Just Wanna Have Fun and Adele’s Rumour Has It). “Tempo perception engages both the brain’s auditory and motor planning systems, which helps regulate movement and alertness,” Devis said. “Listening to uptempo music, even passively (like when you’re still feeling groggy after just waking up), helps facilitate a smoother transition from sleep to wakefulness by stimulating key brain regions responsible for alertness and arousal.” Put simply, music with a strong beat can prepare your body to move and get out of bed.

Kristie Tse, a psychotherapist and founder of Uncover Mental Health Counseling, agreed: “An ideal wakeup song ignites energy and motivation, with a lively tempo that engages the senses. A song with a lively tempo and a strong beat on beats two and four can be particularly effective in waking you up because it naturally aligns with your heartbeat, creating an invigorating rhythm.” When a song synchronizes with the body’s natural rhythm, it compels you to move—quite literally out of bed.

3. The lyrics send a positive message

Along with tempo, Devis conveyed that the mood of the song has a big influence. “A good mood and positive messaging cause the brain to release more dopamine, a hormone that is associated with wakefulness,” she said. “When we’re in a good mood, we naturally feel more pumped to get out of bed—and it all comes down to the feel-good chemicals in our brains.”

Tse pointed out that both songs with positive, empowering lyrics and those that bring vivid imagery or evoke memories can stimulate the brain, triggering motivation centers and releasing dopamine. As a result, they enhance your mood significantly and help shift your mindset from slumber to readiness. “Each beat and note carries an emotional weight that often succeeds in bypassing conscious defenses, facilitating a quicker transition from a sleepy state to full alertness,” she said.

The Best Songs to Start Your Day

According to Greenberg’s research, these 10 popular songs contain all the previously mentioned elements, making them the perfect songs that stimulate your brain to release feel-good chemicals, energize you, and make you want to start your day.

1. Viva La Vida by Coldplay

2. Elevate by St. Lucia

3. Downtown by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

4. Lovely Day by Bill Withers

5. Wake Me Up by Avicii

6. Can’t Sleep Love by Pentatonix

7. Confident by Demi Lovato

8. Wake Up by Arcade Fire

9. Love Myself by Hailee Steinfeld

10. Money on My Mind by Sam Smith

To see and play the full list, click here.

Experts Consulted

LAURA DEVIS

Lauren Devis is a researcher at MassiveMusic, a division of Songtradr, where she uses her strong academic background in psychology to investigate the effectiveness of music and sound for brands. 

KRISTIE TSE, LMHC

Kristie Tse is a psychotherapist and founder of Uncover Mental Health Counseling in New York City. She has an MA in Mental Health Counseling and Advanced Certificate in LGBT Health, Education, and Social Services.

If you haven’t reached your 30s yet, I’ll let you in on a little secret: They’re pretty great. Gone are the days of petty drama and lackluster friend groups, replaced by solid and steady friendships that rival the hype level of Rory and Lane in Gilmore Girls.

At 31 years old, I cherish the handful of strong women who are in my life. A few of us have a history that predates group chats and Instagram reel sharing—our origins date back to landline calls and flip phones. Others I met in college or had the unique experience of living with in a bustling city during our early 20s. These tight-knit friendships originate from all walks of life, and at this point, I know we are in it for the long haul.

Between growing careers, growing families, and everything in between, your 30s can feel like a free-for-all; every friend is living in a different life stage. Hangouts are more difficult to schedule. Free time becomes more limited. And for whatever reason, who we surround ourselves with feels far more life-giving or soul-sucking than it did before. Weekends together might turn into the occasional brunch, and weekly couch-rotting sessions might be hindered by hundreds of miles.

While it can be easy to mourn friendships shifting, I am in the process of learning how to grow and continue the relationships that are important in my life. From being more intentional with my free time to recognizing ways I can be a better friend, here is everything I am learning so far about having friends in your 30s.

1. Being mindful of your time and energy can help friendships grow

There are a ton of clichés about entering your 30s, and my favorite one rings exceptionally true these days: It’s not worth wasting time on people who don’t fill your cup. To explain this realization, I first must share that I am an Enneagram Type 9, also known as ‘The Peacemaker.’ For a long time, I found myself tending to every single friendship in my life with equal vigor. This meant constantly scheduling plans and always saying yes to social commitments. While this might not sound like a bad thing, it ultimately led to burnout, leaving me emotionally drained and resentful toward lackluster friends who weren’t bringing anything into my life.

The fact of the matter is that certain friendships shift or become more distant as time goes on, while others bloom. Realizing that not every relationship requires the same amount of care was a game changer for me. I discovered that it’s OK to have friends you catch up with once in a blue moon because that time spent together can still be worthwhile. It’s also OK to free yourself of friendships that no longer feel healthy or authentic, as that time is usually not well spent. (If only I had realized this sooner!)

“Part of sustaining a friendship is accepting the other person’s flaws.”

Being mindful of how I use my free time is something that has enriched my life. I’m able to determine when it’s better to say no to a social commitment, which allows me to give my time, energy, and brain space to friendships I would like to nurture instead.

2. Healthy boundaries are the key to happiness

While choosing who you spend time with might require setting boundaries, sometimes it’s healthy to practice boundaries even with our closest friends. You can say no! Even to friends! Really! Your true friends won’t be mad at you for putting yourself first. But as a recovering people pleaser, saying no hasn’t come naturally to me. I can be easily pressured by bigger, bolder personality types—so much so that a dear friend once jokingly told me that I “respond well to bullying.” This comment caused me to reflect on my introverted “nice girl” energy, and I decided from that point on that I would fully permit myself to say no when I wanted to.

For example, I once almost committed to a camping trip that I was dreading—tents are simply not for me!—because I was afraid to hurt my friends’ feelings. This camping trip wasn’t some big, important affair (such as a birthday or a milestone celebration), yet I was plagued by the gnawing thought that if I said no to this one thing, my friends would be upset.

I should note that 99.9 percent of the time, I want to spend time with my best friends… and I do! I soon realized that fretting over something this minuscule was a me problem and not a reflection of them. In the end, I did opt out and was truthful about why. Plot twist: My friends know me and figured it wasn’t my cup of tea anyway. They understood my decision and respected this small but pivotal boundary.

3. Everyone’s financial priorities differ

Part of being an adult is not only being financially responsible but also honoring your own needs. This might look like saying no to that concert you don’t want to go to or being honest when something is truly out of your budget. The opposite sentiment is also very true: If there is a trip or hobby that your friends aren’t interested in pursuing, go and do that thing anyway! As we get older, financial priorities shift and change: one friend might be saving for a house, one might be a travel bug, while another might be putting away money for their kids.

“A true friend understands and accepts all of your personality traits—good and bad—and is willing to work through difficult seasons together.”

In these economic times, we all have to be choosy about how we’re spending our hard-earned money. If differing life stages or financial situations are impacting a friendship, it can be helpful to plan something you’re both excited about. Maybe it’s a much-needed staycation instead of a getaway, or maybe it’s pursuing a shared interest or hobby together.

4. Being a good friend means accepting flaws—and being mindful of your own

Someone once told me that part of sustaining a friendship is accepting the other person’s flaws. Long-term friends know the best and worst parts of each other, and it’s likely the good qualities that keep the friendship going. Like any relationship, conflict is bound to rear its ugly head at some point, and that is OK… healthy even!

A true friend understands and accepts all of your personality traits—good and bad—and is willing to work through difficult seasons together. On the flip side, a good friend is also willing to take ownership of their mistakes and note their own flaws. For example, as someone who has always been conflict-avoidant (remember the whole Type 9 ‘Peacemaker’ thing?), I realized that this can come across as diminishing friends’ feelings when they are upset or angry. By understanding and accepting my own flaws, I can work on being a better friend.

5. A listening ear is one of the best gifts you can give in a friendship

Female friendships are truly the best, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the incredible women in my life. I have come to realize that sometimes the best way to be a good friend is to simply be there, even in situations where you don’t have advice. The best moments in a friendship can be the belly laughs shared while remembering that hilarious thing that happened four years ago. They can also be the moments you cry together and remind the other that you are there to be a listening ear without judgment.

As life continues to evolve, the way we look at friendships will too. My friends and I have had countless conversations about how we feel less pressure to maintain a big group of friends as we get older. Certain friends come and go, and it’s not always a personal or negative thing when friendships end. The quality-over-quantity mindset has been one of the most important lessons we’ve all learned lately about having friends in your 30s.

As my friends and I navigate this new decade together, vulnerability has become the name of the game. We are sharing our lives, our families, our hardships, and our free time—and that means so much to me, no matter how often we forget to text each other back.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kailey Hansen, Contributing Writer

Kailey is a Chicago-based freelance writer and communications specialist with a B.A. in English/Journalism from Elmhurst College. When she’s not writing for The Everygirl, you can find her geeking about TV shows at BuzzFeed or covering pet news for Rover.

“I have no one to talk to about this,” I thought while I sat nauseous in the back of the bus, blasting “Red Wine Supernova” in my AirPods on my way to a pottery class that I would never return to. It was late September of 2023. After moving to a city where I knew no one after college, I had promptly engaged in a devastating gay situationship, discovered I had no real hobbies, and realized it was probably a mistake to move away from all of my closest friends. I had no one to talk to about my problems. But I also had no one to talk to about how obsessed I was with Chappell Roan.

Since then, the feeling of being directly spoken to by Chappell Roan’s lyrics has become a distinctly less solitary experience. When I was listening to The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess on the bus, Roan had 3 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Now, there are 42 million more. Her astronomical rise to fame has been analyzed by data journalists, podcasters, and cultural critics alike. Right now, she has four songs in the Billboard Top 100.

But the numbers weren’t the only thing making me feel less lonely. Right around when Roan started touring with Olivia Rodrigo, I made my first two queer friends in my new city. Around the time of her NPR Tiny Desk Concert, I had connected with two more. By the drop of “Good Luck Babe!”—two more. And by the time her set at Gov Ball was exploding the internet, we were a tight-knit friend group, waiting impatiently in line for Chappell Roan-themed nights at a Chicago lesbian bar. I finally had someone to talk to about this.

At its best, fandom has delivered me some of the most important and valuable personal connections in my life. But at its worst, fandom has thrust me into a devoted parasocial relationship, keeping me committed to a woman I don’t even know. One year into my adult life, managing the intensity of my own fandom—my own Chappell Roan fandom, specifically—feels like the modern emotional burden I didn’t ask for. Roan’s rapid rise to fame, alongside more than a few controversies, has left me grappling with the idea that my fandom has gone too far. Now what do I do?

Who is Chappell Roan?

Hello, elder millennials. Allow me to introduce you to my Taylor Swift. Kayleigh Amstutz, known publicly as Chappell Roan, is a 26-year-old queer pop artist who has exploded to mainstream success this year. Onstage, she takes on a drag persona, capturing massive live audiences and millions of online views with her big voice, out-there outfits, and easily replicable dances.

You might recognize Chappell Roan from one of her viral performances. There was her first late-night appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert last February, when she sang “Red Wine Supernova” in a wedding dress. There was her viral Coachella performance, where she dressed up as a butterfly in the colors of the lesbian pride flag and told the audience, “I’m your favorite artist’s favorite artist.” And, most recently, she performed her hit single “Good Luck, Babe!” at the 2024 VMAs. She’s been on a fast track to pop stardom this summer—until the past month gave some fans pause.

Why are Chappell Roan’s fans so mad at her?

In June, at a concert in Raleigh, Roan got emotional as she addressed the gigantic crowd. “I think my career is going really fast, and it’s hard to keep up,” she said. This was the first indication that she was overwhelmed by how rapidly she had been thrust into the spotlight.

In mid-August, Roan posted two consecutive TikToks sharing how she had been putting up with abuse and stalking from her fanbase, effectively calling them off. “I don’t care that abuse, harassment, stalking, whatever, are normal things to do to people who are famous,” she said. “I don’t care that this crazy type of behavior comes along with the job, that doesn’t make it okay. That doesn’t make it normal.” Some fans bristled at her calling out her fanbase so soon after acquiring them, while others cheered her on for boundary-setting.

Then came the election questions. In September, Roan—who had already publicly declined an invitation to perform at the White House under the Biden administration—said in a Rolling Stone interview that she felt no pressure to endorse a political candidate. “I don’t have a side because I hate both sides, and I’m so embarrassed about everything going on right now,” she said.

This set many fans, who were expecting a Harris endorsement from Roan, off. “Chappell roan is an embarrassment to lesbians” wrote one user on Twitter. All of the backlash resulted in her posting a frazzled explanation on TikTok and canceling her performances in NYC and DC at the All Things Go music festival. There have been a lot of angry TikToks, a lot of fans announcing their departures, and many, many indications from Roan that this is all a bit much for a 26-year-old who was virtually nameless two years ago.

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If we’re always so disappointed in the artists we love, what is the point of being a fan?

Watching Chappell Roan rise to fame was like a mirror of watching myself enter my first year of adulthood as a queer, Gen Z, creative woman. I thought I was the only one who was sick of going on dates with boring guys, convinced a “feminininomenon” would save me from future suburban blues. And then there was Roan, who felt the same way. And then, suddenly, miraculously, there was everyone else along with her. Watching the TikToks and tweets multiply, I understood that I was becoming part of a fandom for the first time. I wondered if this was what it felt like to be 23 when 1989 dropped.

“At its worst, fandom has thrust me into a devoted parasocial relationship, keeping me committed to a woman I don’t even know.”

Superfans treat standom like they’ve been handed a precious, breakable gift. I understand the impulse. What could I possibly feel besides gratitude toward the woman who made me feel so seen during a breakup that I couldn’t even really call a breakup? Why wouldn’t I cling to the songs that I was dissecting with new friends who meant so much to me? There was a pit in my stomach, though, when I watched my Swiftie friends and coworkers cheer Taylor on after she cringily sucked the air out of the room at the 2023 Grammys with her Tortured Poet’s Department announcement. If calling myself a fan meant being unable to recognize when my favorite artist was being totally annoying, I wasn’t sure I wanted to be a fan at all.

To be clear, I don’t personally disagree with anything Roan has done or said. I’m grateful to her for advocating for stronger boundaries between fans and public figures and proud of her for taking a break for her health. I do (begrudgingly) understand why she doesn’t want to endorse a Presidential candidate in the midst of the current political climate.

But the past few weeks have shown me that one day, inevitably, my fav will disappoint me. I’m going to have to figure out how to graciously admit when Chappell Roan is wrong without accidentally sliding too far in the opposite direction and sending her hate mail via Instagram comments. One day—not now, but soon—I will need to detach my fandom from Roan as an artist and attach it to the memories I’ve made of her music, instead. Maybe it’s just part of growing up.

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How I’m reframing my Chappell Roan fandom

I have this eight-second video on my phone from July 31st this year. It’s a video of the inside of my favorite gay bar in the city, on a Chappell Roan theme night. Purple lights flash in the foreground, and there’s a neon sign that has the lyrics to “Femininomenon” lit up in the back: “Can you play a song with a fucking beat?” None of my friends are in the video, but the strangers are just as joyful. They are—and I am—the queer kids in the Midwest that Roan spoke to in her VMA Best New Artist acceptance speech. When I’m having a hard day, I watch this video and wish I could crawl inside it.

“One day—not now, but soon—I will need to detach my fandom from Roan as an artist and attach it to the memories I’ve made to her music, instead.”

Chappell Roan has been the soundtrack to my life for the past year, filling my mind up with beautiful, gay, pink-cowgirl-hatted memories. Blasting “HOT TO GO” in the car with my college best friends on our first reunion trip. Walking along the shore of Lake Michigan in the middle of winter, playing “California” and missing my closest friends and family. Alternating “Pink Pony Club” and “Miss Americana and The Heartbreak Prince” the morning before a big work event. Crying in the mirror to “Kaleidoscope” when ex-situationship summer reared its head. They’re memories, most of which involve my love for other people, that I could have hardly dreamed up a year ago on the bus ride to pottery.

“Fan culture and love poems have taught us to put the object of our adoration on a pedestal or an altar or a stage, to see ourselves as always looking upwards, always in a state of praise. But in the act of loving, you are the centre, you are the maker of meaning,” wrote Ismene Ormonde for Byline earlier this year, in an essay on Taylor Swift. As my parasocial relationship with Chappell Roan grows increasingly complex, I like to remind myself of this position. I am a fan who loves her, and so I get to decide how I want to love her—even if, someday, that means loving her as a kind critic. And in my love, I get to make meaning. I always have the power to look to the left and right, at the people singing along with me, instead of up at the star.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Emma Ginsberg, Associate Editor

Emma is a writer, editor, and podcast producer who has been creating at The Everygirl since 2021. She writes for all sections on the site, edits the Entertainment and Community sections, and helps produce The Everygirl Podcast. With a degree in American Studies, Emma is especially passionate about evaluating the impact that pop culture and internet culture have on the day-to-day lives of real women.

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After what felt like years of waiting, we’re finally deep into sad girl autumn. I’m a sucker for summer’s warm weather, but I’m currently appreciating the lightness in the air on my daily hot girl walks. Autumn doesn’t have to be completely depressing—there’s a way to lean into the melancholy of the season. My secret to getting through (and enjoying) sad girl autumn is, of course, music. In the wake of Brat summer, it’s time to add some slower sounds to my playlists this fall.

As a certified sad girl during fall, I tap into my two passions—astrology and music—to channel the essence of the season to its fullest potential. With the eclipse season in full swing, each zodiac sign will experience this fall differently. Each sign’s fall horoscopes hint at an overall shift, from big life changes to a much-needed slow in pace. Read on to see which song is your zodiac sign’s sad girl autumn anthem.

Aries

Aries signs are known for their fiery personalities, and this fall, they’ll feel as bold as ever. This season, one of the full moons will be in Aries, hinting that this sign will receive some much-needed clarity. Whether at work or in their personal relationships, Aries will need to trust themselves and step out of the box, just like Lizzy McApline always does. Doomsday is jam-packed with chill yet commanding transformative vibes that suggest letting go of a relationship gone wrong. With this track, Lizzy will have Aries feeling like Doomsday has passed until winter.

Taurus

Taurus’ calendars are always full, so this sign should utilize the quietude of fall for a much-deserved break. making the bed embodies the stubbornness for which Taurus is infamous. In this song, Olivia Rodrigo looks back on the hurt she endured at her own hands after staying in a relationship that wasn’t serving her. With the fast-paced season of summer long behind us, Taurus should listen to making the bed whenever they’re feeling stuck or frustrated this fall.

Gemini

It’s time for Gemini to embrace their really sad girl side this fall. Known for their self-assurance and unpredictability, this sign should tap into their vulnerability with this song. In Fade Into You, Mazzy Star goes back and forth between choosing to let someone go or prioritize herself. This song has a rhythmic yet upbeat tempo that masks its true vulnerability—just like a complex Gemini would. Mazzy Star recognizes that she has to pick herself at the end of the day, with this lyric standing out as so Gemini: “I look to you and I see nothing / I look to you to see the truth.”

Cancer

Cancer signs are typically always in tune with their emotions, and this autumn is the perfect time for them to channel any built-up downhearted energy into music. This song encapsulates that and much more as Ethel Cain references her religious upbringing across the fictional storytelling of her groundbreaking album Preacher’s Daughter. The song is rather haunting, as Ethel puts her modern spin on the dark subject matter. Even if Cancers can’t resonate with the content of the song, they’ll definitely appreciate the dark, moody energy of Family Tree.

Leo

Fall is full of change, and there’s no time like now for Leo to mourn the loss of summer. Shifting out of their prime time, loml from The Tortured Poet’s Department is the perfect song to mourn the season and get ready for what’s to come. From time to time, sitting in solace and reminiscing on past memories is much-needed, especially for Leo as the sun shifts out of this sign’s spotlight. Taylor’s lyrics encapsulate the idea of loving and not wanting to let go so clearly, there’s no doubt that every Leo added this track onto their autumn playlist as the dramatic yet emotional sign they are.

Virgo

For Virgos, it can be difficult to immerse themselves in sad girl autumn. Instead of focusing on the complexities of life, Virgo tends to stay grounded. Sure, fall includes Virgo season, but this sign can struggle to trade practicality with vulnerability. Thank You off of Clairo’s most recent album, Charm, blends those sentiments seamlessly while still maintaining Virgo’s strength and admitting their deeper insecurities. In this song, Clairo sings about being thankful for a former lover, even though their time together has ended—perfect for a Virgo who’s reminiscing.

Libra

One of the most charming signs of the zodiac, Libras are inherently kind and loving. While Libra prioritizes balance this fall, the season brings in a sense of certainty akin to How to disappear by Lana Del Rey. Libra’s are all about finding balance this sad girl autumn, and while they acknowledge the gloom that comes with this time of the year, they embrace it. This song is about accepting the world’s faults while maintaining Libra’s inherent warmth. While they may not be marrying alligator tour guides this fall, Libras will definitely be blasting Lana.

Scorpio

Autumn includes spooky Scorpio season, so it’s safe to say this sign is ready to flourish during their moody month in the sun. Like Lorde, Scorpios are timeless, and even with another year passing, they invite the attention that comes during their birthday month. In Ribs, Lorde admits her fears of getting older in the lyrics of this song, while the tempo conveys the dread that comes along with the season. The upbeat tempo exudes the poise of a true Scorpio who is capable of fully embracing the emotional ups and downs of autumn.

Sagittarius

Fun-loving on the outside, Sagittarius has a gloomy side that they don’t show to just anyone. Halloween by Phoebe Bridgers is the perfect anthem for a Sagittarius to turn on and get deep into their emotions on shorter fall days. Whether they’re getting over an ex or need a quick moody vibe before it’s time to face the demands of everyday life, this song is one that Sagittarius will definitely want to add to their fall playlist. Plus, nobody quite does sad girl autumn like Phoebe Bridgers.

Capricorn

The hardworking Capricorn needs to slow down and take a breath this fall. It can be hard to get this sign to slow down, but it’s much needed after a busy, jam-packed summer. Like Charli xcx, Capricorn signs were everywhere this past season, but now it’s time to take a break and relax while looking forward to the future. Capricorns are known for their resilient personalities, but it’s good to feel those feelings every now and then and let your sensitive side come through. So I is Charli’s tribute to fellow artist SOPHIE, and it’s a powerful ballad about grief, which is exactly in line with the autumn spirit.

Aquarius

Ever-eclectic Aquarius signs are beloved for their creative personalities. However, Aquarius signs are also incredibly independent, leading them to detach from those closest to them. beabadoobee is a great artist for this sign who craves closeness but sometimes doesn’t know how to ask for it. Sad girl autumn doesn’t have to be defined by melancholic ballads, and the upbeat but sentimental song the perfect pair is the perfect example of that.

Pisces

Fall kicked off with a Lunar eclipse in this sign, so it’s the season of change for Pisces. Known as one of the most emotional zodiac signs of all, Gracie Abrams’ lyrics in Augusta will offer a helping hand to a Pisces deep in their feelings. This song is all about the aching heartbreak of feeling lost in your life. Pisces signs are no strangers to feeling all of their emotions deeply, and fall is a great time to work through any lingering resentment in their hearts.