Chappell Roan at 2024 Governor’s Ball. Taken from @chappellroan Instagram.
Deciding to skip a White House event to perform at the Governor’s Ball pride event, Chappell Roan also debuted her new single, “Subway.” All while making a speech for liberty, justice and freedom for all, Roan performed in a Statue of Liberty costume. In her own words, according to Variety, “That means freedom and trans rights, that means freedom and women’s rights, and it especially means freedom for all oppressed people in occupied territories.” The show became a hit with all of her fans in the audience, another reason for her fame rising steadily.
During the show, she also played other memorable songs such as “Am I Gay?,” “Hot To Go!” and “Good Luck Babe.” She has also been embraced by the queer community, being a proud member. Roan told Variety last year, “I love the queer community.” She said, “When queer people are together, it’s the happiest, most vibrant feeling. The shows are a way for me to give a safe space to queer people and to have fun and dress up. It feels like magic on stage. I’m literally getting teary-eyed because it’s everything I ever wanted.”
Her fame is several years in the making. She was discovered at 17 years old while singing covers on YouTube. She recieved her big break when she signed with Atlantic Records and moved to Los Angeles. Even though her contract only lasted a short amount of time, she built herself back up. Roan began collaborating with Olivia Rodrigo’s co-writer, Daniel Nigro. She soon signed with his label, Island Records, in 2022. She then began touring. Chappell Roan also released her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, that September.
Announcing her cancellation of a White House concert is very much a political statement. The Governor’s Ball seemed to give Roan a push in the right direction. This is especially true when she has a bright future ahead of her with her music.
