A Star Is Born: Chappell Roan’s Meteoric Rise
On August 22, 2025, Chappell Roan took the main stage at Reading Festival, delivering a performance that was nothing short of magical. From small club gigs in the UK just a year prior, she transformed into a headlining act, captivating a 90,000-strong crowd with her fairytale-themed set. This wasn’t just a concert—it was a coronation of pop’s newest queen. Her journey from Missouri to global stardom is a testament to resilience, authenticity, and raw talent.
From Midwest Princess to Festival Royalty
Chappell Roan, born Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, crafted her stage persona inspired by drag and queer culture, blending campy aesthetics with heartfelt storytelling. Her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess (2023), didn’t just chart—it became a cultural phenomenon, with every track turning into an anthem. Songs like “Pink Pony Club” and “Good Luck, Babe!” resonate with fans for their unapologetic celebration of identity and love. At Reading, she brought this vibrant world to life, proving she’s here to stay.
The Breakthrough Moment of 2024
Roan’s 2024 was a whirlwind. After years of grinding through skeptical record labels, her album’s slow-burn success exploded, earning her the title of 2024’s biggest breakout star. She went from opening for Olivia Rodrigo to headlining festivals, with The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess being compared to classics like Thriller and Rumours. Her Reading performance marked the pinnacle of this ascent, showcasing her ability to command massive crowds with ease.
The Fairytale-Themed Set: A Visual and Sonic Feast
Chappell Roan’s Reading Festival set was a masterclass in spectacle. Backed by a gothic fairytale castle and an all-female band, she infused her pop hits with a gritty rock edge, transforming songs like “Hot To Go” and “Casual” into stadium-sized anthems. The stage design, paired with her theatrical performance, created a dreamlike atmosphere that left fans in awe. It was a performance that felt both intimate and larger-than-life.
The Grand Entrance: A Crimson Dream
At 7:10 p.m., Roan emerged in an ornate crimson outfit, complete with a black “bat wing” fascinator that fans lovingly dubbed “Chappell Crow-an.” Skipping across the stage, she kicked off with “Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl,” followed by “Femininomenon” and “After Midnight.” Her costume changes—shedding layers like a fairytale heroine—kept the crowd buzzing, each reveal amplifying the energy. The visual storytelling was as captivating as the music itself.
A Setlist Packed with Anthems
Roan’s 90-minute set was a relentless parade of hits, leaving no song behind. She played nearly every track from The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, alongside standalone singles like “The Giver” and “The Subway.” Even deep cuts like “Love Me Anyway” and her cover of Heart’s “Barracuda” felt like mainstage material, with the crowd singing every word. This wasn’t a setlist stretched thin—it was a showcase of a debut album already cemented as iconic.
Key Highlights of the Setlist
- Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl: An anthemic opener that set the tone with its bold energy.
- Hot To Go: Complete with its viral YMCA-style dance, it had the crowd moving in unison.
- My Kink Is Karma: Dedicated to an ex in the crowd, this snarky anthem sparked roars of approval.
- Good Luck, Babe!: Performed as the sun set, with Roan silhouetted against spotlights, it was pure magic.
- Pink Pony Club: The euphoric closer, with fireworks and high kicks, left fans screaming.
The Stage Design: A Gothic Fairytale Come to Life
The turquoise castle backdrop, evoking Beauty and the Beast with a gothic twist, was more than just scenery—it was a character in the performance. Paired with dramatic orchestral intros and animations of feline eyes, it created a world where Roan reigned as both pop star and fairytale queen. The stage’s immersive design made every song feel like a chapter in a fantastical story, drawing fans deeper into her universe.
The Emotional Connection: Roan’s Bond with Fans
What sets Chappell Roan apart is her ability to connect with her audience on a deeply personal level. At Reading, she thanked the 90,000-strong crowd, saying, “Thank you for loving me and standing with me. This is a dream come true, seriously.” Her authenticity—rooted in her journey from small-town Missouri to embracing her queer identity—resonates with fans who see themselves in her music. This wasn’t just a performance; it was a shared celebration.
A Missed Opportunity for Banter
Fans who’ve attended Roan’s smaller shows know her for her witty, heartfelt banter, often pausing during “The Giver” to read audience messages about their exes. (In Oslo, she famously had fans boo a cheating ex named Daniel.) The tight festival slot meant no time for this at Reading, but her charisma filled the gap. Every gesture, from blowing kisses to strutting down the catwalk, felt like a conversation with the crowd.
The Power of Community
Roan’s performances foster a sense of camaraderie. At Reading, fans in pink cowboy hats and glittery outfits formed a sea of solidarity, singing along to “Casual” with arms around each other. Her music, steeped in themes of queer expression and self-discovery, creates a safe space for fans to celebrate their true selves. It’s no wonder her shows feel like a movement, not just a concert.
Comparing Reading 2025 to Her Other Festival Performances
To understand the significance of Roan’s Reading set, it’s worth comparing it to her other 2025 festival appearances. Her Sziget Festival performance in Budapest earlier that month featured a similar fairytale theme, but Reading’s scale was unmatched. Unlike her US festival sets, which often tailored themes to specific cities, Reading’s cohesive fairytale aesthetic felt like a definitive statement of her artistic vision.
| Festival | Date | Theme | Set Length | Notable Moment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sziget Festival | August 11, 2025 | Fairytale-inspired | 75 minutes | Dramatic horn intro, vibrant crowd energy |
| Reading Festival | August 22, 2025 | Gothic fairytale castle | 90 minutes | Fireworks during “Pink Pony Club” |
| Leeds Festival | August 23, 2025 | Gothic fairytale castle | 90 minutes | Expected to mirror Reading’s spectacle |
Pros and Cons of the Reading Performance
Pros:
- Unforgettable Visuals: The fairytale castle and costume changes elevated the experience.
- Powerful Setlist: Every song felt like a hit, with no filler.
- Crowd Engagement: Roan’s energy and authenticity created a communal vibe.
Cons:
- Limited Banter: The festival format cut out her signature audience interactions.
- Tight Schedule: Some fans wished for a longer set to include more surprises.
The Journey Behind the Performance
Roan’s Reading triumph didn’t come easy. Her path to stardom was paved with rejection and perseverance. After years of fighting skeptical labels, she went independent, building her fanbase through sheer grit. Signing with Island Records’ Amusement Records in 2022 gave her the platform to release The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, a technicolor ode to her journey from Missouri to self-acceptance. Its slow climb to success mirrors Roan’s own resilience.
Overcoming the Odds
Roan’s story is one of defiance. She faced countless “no’s” from labels who didn’t get her campy, queer-pop vision. Her 2020 single “Pink Pony Club,” inspired by a night at a West Hollywood gay bar, was a turning point, earning praise as Vulture’s “song of the summer.” Yet, she was dropped by her label shortly after. Undeterred, she kept creating, and her 2022 singles like “Naked in Manhattan” laid the groundwork for her eventual breakthrough.
The Weight of Fame
Roan’s rapid rise hasn’t been without challenges. In 2024, she canceled festival appearances at All Things Go, citing the overwhelming pressure of fame. On X, fans expressed heartbreak but also support, with one user lamenting, “I hate y’all on the internet for constantly criticizing her” after her cancellations. At Reading, she seemed to channel this turbulence into her performance, delivering a set that felt like a triumphant reclaiming of her narrative.
What’s Next for Chappell Roan?
After Reading, Roan headed to Leeds Festival on August 23, followed by two headline shows at Edinburgh’s Royal Highland Showgrounds. Her summer festival run wraps with dates in Ireland and the US, but the bigger question looms: what’s next for her sophomore album? In an interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, Roan admitted she’s not rushing it. “There is no album,” she said. “It took me five years to write the first one.” Fans may wait, but her Reading performance proved she’s worth it.
The Challenge of Following a Classic
The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess set a high bar. Compared to albums like Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours for its universal appeal, it’s a tough act to follow. Roan’s commitment to writing only when she feels “settled” suggests her next project will be just as authentic. For now, fans can relive her Reading set through BBC’s coverage on iPlayer and Radio 1, available for streaming.
Upcoming Tour Dates
For those eager to catch Roan live, here are her next confirmed shows:
- Leeds Festival: August 23, 2025, Bramham Park, 6:40 p.m.
- Edinburgh Summer Sessions: August 26–27, 2025, Royal Highland Showgrounds.
- Way Out West Festival: August 7–9, 2025, Göteborg, Sweden.
- Lowlands Festival: August 15, 2025, Biddinghuizen, Netherlands.
Tickets for Edinburgh are available via Ticketmaster UK.
People Also Ask (PAA)
What songs did Chappell Roan perform at Reading Festival 2025?
Roan’s set included “Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl,” “Femininomenon,” “After Midnight,” “Naked in Manhattan,” “Guilty Pleasure,” “Casual,” “The Subway,” “Hot To Go,” “Barracuda” (Heart cover), “Picture You,” “Kaleidoscope,” “The Giver,” “Red Wine Supernova,” “Coffee,” “Good Luck, Babe!,” “My Kink Is Karma,” and “Pink Pony Club.”
How can I watch Chappell Roan’s Reading Festival performance?
BBC broadcasted her set on August 22 at 10:40 p.m. on BBC One, with additional coverage on BBC iPlayer, Radio 1, and the BBC Sounds app. Highlights are also available on the BBC Radio 1 YouTube channel.
What is the meaning behind Chappell Roan’s stage name?
Inspired by drag culture and her grandfather’s surname, Chappell, her stage name reflects her theatrical persona and personal journey. It’s a nod to her roots and her embrace of bold, queer expression.
Where can I buy Chappell Roan merchandise?
Official merchandise is available at festival stands and through her website, iamchappellroan.com. Expect items like pink cowboy hats and glittery tees inspired by her iconic aesthetic.
FAQ
Q: Why was Chappell Roan’s Reading Festival set so significant?
A: It marked her biggest UK show to date, showcasing her transition from club gigs to headlining a major festival. The fairytale-themed set and massive crowd response cemented her as a global pop star.
Q: Will Chappell Roan release a new album soon?
A: Roan has said her second album could take up to five years, as she wants to write when she feels settled. Her focus on authenticity means fans may wait, but it’ll likely be worth it.
Q: How can I get tickets for Chappell Roan’s upcoming shows?
A: Tickets for her Edinburgh shows and other festivals are available through Ticketmaster UK or festival websites like readingfestival.com. Act fast, as her shows sell out quickly.
Q: What makes Chappell Roan’s performances unique?
A: Her blend of campy theatrics, queer-positive anthems, and heartfelt storytelling creates a communal, celebratory vibe. Her fairytale-themed sets, like at Reading, add a visual magic that’s unmatched.
Final Thoughts
Chappell Roan’s Reading Festival performance was more than a concert—it was a moment. From her gothic fairytale castle to her crimson “Chappell Crow-an” outfit, she wove a spell that left 90,000 fans enchanted. Her journey from small-town dreamer to pop supernova is inspiring, and her ability to connect with fans through music and authenticity is what makes her special. As she takes on Leeds, Edinburgh, and beyond, one thing is clear: Chappell Roan isn’t just slaying festivals—she’s redefining what it means to be a pop star. Catch her live if you can, or stream her Reading set on BBC iPlayer. You won’t want to miss this Midwest Princess in her prime.
