Chappell Roan’s First Ever VMAs Performance: A Red Knight Supernova
Chappell Roan took the VMA stage to perform her hit song “Good Luck Babe!” in a theatrical knight costume.
During her pre-show interview, Roan told the audience to take in her medieval-themed outfit. Fans immediately wondered if the pop artist was teasing new music, but she was alluding to the theme of her planned performance.
Drag queen Sasha Colby introduced Roan, stating, “You have all watched her blow up, the Midwest princess is in the house. Your favorite drag queen’s favorite artist, here is my daughter, Chappell Roan.” This is particularly impactful considering the singer’s history of supporting and uplifting drag queens.
When it was time for Roan’s performance, cameras panned to a colossal castle set where she walked out through towering metal gates in full knight armor, complete with double braids and a massive crossbow. She then set the stage ablaze by shooting a flaming arrow at the castle.
As the song started, she and her backup dancers, also dressed in medieval attire, enacted fight choreography as Roan pretended to dodge and counter sword attacks. During the song’s iconic bridge, she performed her usual face-to-face choreography that helped the song go viral in April.
This marks the artist’s first award-show performance and she did not disappoint. Many online called her costume, “Roan of Arc” referring to Joan of Arc, a French heroine. Others speculated that Roan’s on-stage duel represented the central theme of “Good Luck Babe!” suppressing one’s sexuality and in this case, literally fighting it.
Chappell Roan burning down the castle aka the heterosexual fairytale dream, while singing about comp het. Iconic! pic.twitter.com/ZKpvx8EhVh
— Gaby (@thisisnothend) September 12, 2024
The artist later won the “Best New Artist” award. In her acceptance speech, she dedicated the award to drag queens and the “queer and trans people who fuel pop all around.”
Stars like Lady Gaga, Madonna, and Brittney Spears have paved the way for Roan’s histrionic and over-the-top stage presence. It’s her commitment to doing whatever is necessary for the theatrics and showcasing her queer identity that has earned this performance a spot amongst the greats.
You can learn more about Chappell Roan’s rise to fame here.
