Chappell Roan Slays Reading Festival with Fairytale-Themed Spectacle

Chappell Roan, the breakout pop sensation behind The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, delivered a spellbinding performance at the Reading Festival 2025 that left fans breathless and critics raving. With a gothic fairytale castle as her backdrop and a wardrobe fit for a pop queen, Roan transformed the main stage into a dazzling realm of fantasy, empowerment, and unapologetic joy.

Emerging just after 7 p.m. on Friday night, Roan appeared in a crimson ensemble topped with a dramatic black fascinator—quickly dubbed the “Chappell Crow-an” by fans online. Her entrance was cinematic, backed by haunting horns and an instrumental overture that set the tone for a night of theatrical pop brilliance. The crowd, a sea of pink cowboy hats and glitter, erupted as she launched into “Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl,” the first of many anthems that would echo across Little John’s Farm.

“Hello, my name is Chappell Roan. Are you ready to get ‘Naked in Manhattan’? Then prove it!” she shouted, introducing one of her most beloved tracks. From that moment on, the energy never dipped. Roan’s setlist was a celebration of her entire discography, including fan favorites like “Femininomenon,” “Hot To Go!,” “Casual,” and “Pink Pony Club.” She even performed her latest singles “The Subway” and “The Giver,” along with a fiery cover of Heart’s “Barracuda” that showcased her rock chops and vocal power⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾.

Backed by an all-female band, Roan added a crunchy rock edge to her synth-pop sound, elevating her songs from club-ready bops to stadium-sized anthems. The stage design—a gothic castle with dramatic lighting and whimsical props—perfectly matched her fairytale theme, creating a visual feast that complemented her theatrical flair. Throughout the 90-minute set, she shed layers of her costume, revealing new looks and keeping the audience captivated with every transformation.

“Thank you for loving me and standing with me,” Roan told the 90,000-strong crowd. “This is a dream come true, seriously.” Her emotional gratitude resonated deeply, especially given her journey from small-town Missouri to pop stardom. Just two years ago, Roan was playing intimate club shows across the UK. Now, she’s headlining one of the country’s most iconic festivals—a testament to her meteoric rise and the passionate fanbase she’s cultivated⁽¹⁾.

Roan’s debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, has become a slow-burning classic. Blending country, 80s synth-pop, and queer storytelling, the album chronicles her search for identity and love. Songs like “Good Luck, Babe!” and “Love Me Anyway” have become modern anthems, with lyrics that speak to solitary yearning, heartbreak, and self-discovery. At Reading, fans screamed every word, often drowning out Roan’s own vocals in a show of pure devotion.

Radio 1’s Jack Saunders described the scene as “the world’s biggest hen party,” referencing the sea of pink cowboy hats and glitter that defined the crowd’s aesthetic. But beneath the camp and color was a powerful message of inclusion, freedom, and self-expression. Roan’s performance wasn’t just a concert—it was a celebration of queer joy, feminine power, and artistic authenticity.

Her tour, titled Visions of Damsels & Other Dangerous Things, has taken her across Europe and North America, with stops in Budapest, Edinburgh, and soon Mexico City. Each show builds on her signature style: theatrical visuals, emotionally charged lyrics, and a connection with fans that feels deeply personal. The Reading Festival marked her first UK festival headline set, and it’s clear she’s not slowing down⁽³⁾⁽⁴⁾.