It’s been a whirlwind couple of months for breakout pop star Chappell Roan. Following her opening slot on Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS tour, a featured performance on NPR’s Tiny Desk, and successful appearances at Coachella and most recently, Boston Calling, the Midwest Princess brought her inaugural headlining show, “The Midwest Princess Tour,” to Cleveland. Originally slated for the Agora, a venue with a 2,000-person capacity, the overwhelming demand prompted a relocation to Jacobs Pavilion, accommodating 5,000 attendees, which promptly sold out.
One might label Chappell Roan a phenomenon, or perhaps, dare we say, a “Femininomenon,” nodding to one of her hit songs from her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess. Yet, no descriptor seems more fitting for this seemingly overnight sensation. Since her move from the outskirts of Missouri to LA in 2015 to pursue her dreams, Roan has intermittently released music, but it wasn’t until she signed with Island Records to release her debut album last fall that she truly found her footing. So, what sets Chappell Roan apart?
“She is confident and true to herself. A queen, really,” remarked one concertgoer. “Chappell Roan is a queer icon!” added another.
Born Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, Chappell Roan initially emerged as a stage name but swiftly evolved into what she describes as her drag persona—a more assertive iteration of herself. Often adorned in white makeup and vivid eyeshadow, with vibrant red curls cascading down her back, reminiscent of a sultrier Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland, Roan’s exaggerated and campy aesthetic adds to her allure. It’s as though Cyndi Lauper and Peaches walked so that Chappell Roan could run.
Each city on the tour was treated to a unique fashion theme inspired by Roan’s songs, inviting the audience to participate. Cleveland’s theme, fittingly, was “Midwest Princess.” Roan shared a mood board on her social media platforms to inspire concertgoers, resulting in a sea of pink, camouflage, and tiaras as attendees embraced the theme. Others opted for styles like “Mermaid,” “My Kink is Karma,” or the beloved “Pink Pony Club,” channeling the essence of Dolly Parton with pink cowboy hats, boots, and fringe.
In lieu of a traditional opening band, three local drag queens took the spotlight, bringing a touch of Pride to Cleveland ahead of schedule. Lady Inferno Diamond, Kimpiid, and Monica Mod delivered impressive dance routines, replete with splits, handstands, high kicks, and cartwheels—a taste of what’s to come at Pride festivities this coming weekend.
Chappell Roan graced the stage in her Midwest Princess ensemble, a camouflage dress and corset paired with studded black cowboy boots, accompanied by her backing band—a guitarist, bassist, and drummer—attired similarly. The anticipation was palpable as she kicked off her performance with “Femininomenon.” With every bleacher seat filled, the general admission area packed, and even fans sitting across the river, the roar of the crowd was thunderous as 5,000 fans enthusiastically scream-sang along to the lyrics. Midway through “Naked in Manhattan,” Roan had a swift outfit change, swapping her long camo skirt for more dance-friendly camo hot pants and fishnet stockings.
What distinguishes Chappell Roan is her ability to cultivate an intimate atmosphere within a large venue, connecting with her audience on a personal level. Her soulful voice resonates with authenticity, imbuing each lyric with emotion. She means every word she sings. As Roan danced her way to each side of the stage, she made every fan feel seen, engaging with waves, points, and meaningful eye contact. During “HOT TO GO!”, a cheerleader-inspired anthem, the crowd enthusiastically spelled out the letters with raised arms, reminiscent of the Village People’s “YMCA.”
Following a series of high-energy pop ballads, Roan slowed the tempo to allow fans a moment to catch their breath, delivering acoustic renditions of “Coffee” and “Kaleidoscope,” accompanied only by her keyboard. The breathy “Casual” preceded a return to high-octane performances with hits like “Red Wine Supernova,” “Good Luck, Babe!” and “My Kink is Karma.” At times, Roan’s vocals were nearly drowned out by the fervent audience, prompting her to turn the mic over for collective choruses.
The crowd’s stomping on the metal bleachers heralded Roan’s encore. Keeping it brief, she delivered “California” before concluding the night with her 2020 single, “Pink Pony Club.”
For those hearing of Chappell Roan for the first time, last night’s performance at Jacobs Pavilion was special. The next time she rolls through, the venue will undoubtedly be much larger. This is just the beginning of what Chappell Roan has to offer, and we eagerly await what comes next.
The Setlist for Chappell Roan at Jacobs Pavilion, May 28, 2024:
Femininomenon
Naked in Manhattan
Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl
Love Me Anyway
Picture You
Guilty Pleasure
HOT TO GO!
After Midnight
Coffee
Kaleidoscope
Casual
Red Wine Supernova
Good Luck, Babe!
My Kink Is Karma
Encore:
California
Pink Pony Club
