Chappell Roan may not have been the headliner, but she was certainly the show when she performed at the Governor’s Ball Music Festival in New York City on Sunday, June 9. The rise and fall of a Midwestern princess The 26-year-old singer literally came to the stage from the Big Apple, dressed as one of the city’s most famous landmarks: the Statue of Liberty. In addition to an epic performance of her hits, Chappell also gave a stirring political speech explaining why she turned down a performance at the White House.
As Chappell began her performance, the big apple spun around on itself and she was seen covered in green paint, resembling the color of the Statue of Liberty. She wore a crown that resembled that of the famous landmark, and she wore a cut-off skirt that showed off her butt, which was also covered in paint. In one hand, she held a torch like the Statue of Liberty, and in the other, a giant joint, which she passed to one of her backing dancers. Her bandmates also wore two-piece suits that resembled New York’s famous yellow taxis.
In addition to her feel-good pop songs, Chappell also took the time to address political issues on stage. She took the time to reference the famous words written on the Statue of Liberty to advocate for LGBTQ+ people, women and people in occupied territories. “I’m dressed as the greatest queen of them all, but in case you forgot what’s engraved on my pretty little toes: ‘Give me your tired, your poor, your downtrodden masses yearning to breathe free.’ That means freedom and trans rights. That means freedom and women’s rights, and it especially means freedom for all oppressed people,” she said before getting emotional. “It especially means freedom for all oppressed people in occupied territories.”
@rolling Stone @chappell roan gets emotional as she talks about her symbolic outfit at #Govball #chappellroan #chappellroantour #chappellroanconcert #chappellroanmidwestprincess #chappellroantiktok #tour #concert #fyp #fypツ #foryou
♬ Original sound – Rolling Stone
At another point in the show, Chappell claimed that the White House had contacted her about appearing at a Pride event, but she declined. “This is a response to the White House asking me to appear at Pride. We want freedom, justice and independence for all. If you do that, I will come,” she said.
oh, I fucking love Chappell Roan. pic.twitter.com/sWZD1LEUIU
– Ari 🧸ྀི (@arianasupland) June 9, 2024
In addition to her political messages, Chappell also presented a new song to go with her big performance in the city that never sleeps. The new song was called “Subway” and is a pretty ballad that stands out from her upbeat hits.