Nashville, Tennessee is always looking for something to celebrate. October 7th, Chappell Roan gave fans the performance of a lifetime. There were so many things to celebrate that night: love, inclusivity, and music. The up-and-coming queer pop star gave the room an opportunity to feel all the love the world has to offer for just one night.
The Midwest Princess Tour, in September and surely made her way to Nashville, TN. Chappell Pre-tour, Roan did one of the smartest and coolest things the Internet has ever seen: themed shows. She grouped together shows and pointed her songs as themes. Nashville’s theme was “Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl” which correlated to space. As you entered the venue, there was an abundance of neon, glitter and metallic. The venue, itself, served as such a safe space for concert-goers to feel comfortable. From the moment you entered Brooklyn Bowl, there was just an empowering aura; you could almost feel the excitement. Fans, both long-time and new, were looking their absolute best while awaiting the queer pop-star, herself.
Chappell Roan is all about writing a love letter to the queer community. Her shows are nothing but a safe space to everyone. No matter what. What sets this tour apart from others, she does not have musicians open, but drag queens. Nashville was blessed with Miss Alexia Noelle, Arsyn, and Cordelia Facade. Fans were ecstatic to cheer on beautifully talented drag queens by cheering their name, dancing with them, and even throwing tip money on the stage. Their energy and overall love added a layer of acceptance that was truly beautiful to witness.
As lights dimmed and went pink, Chappell Roan emerged, opening with “Femininomenon”. She took the stage with grace and confidence which immediately took the audience's breath away. There were times were fans just had their mouths dropped and open, and uttered, “She cannot be real”. Her energy transcended the audience into another dimension- just like the attire theme. From the second her vocals hit the air, it was evident we were witnessing something special. Her setlist was perfect; she included hits like “Casual” or “Hot To Go”. Chappell Roan had the attention of every single person in that room. She encouraged everyone to do her “Hot To Go” dance, and everyone did. There was not one person that was not dancing. The show was something people don’t forget as soon as they walk out the doors: it was almost freeing.
This show was not just a concert but a testament to the power of music to bring people together, to break down barriers, and to foster understanding and love. It was a night when drag queens and a talented singer-songwriter shared a stage, and in doing so, they gave voice to a message of inclusivity and acceptance that resonated with everyone in attendance. Chappell Roan's Nashville show served as a reminder that music has the power to unite us all. We celebrated love and we celebrated right.
- Gabrielle Sanchez
Photos courtesy of Kylie Hoover (For Bell Music Magazine)