It is safe to say, “Midwest Princess” Chappell Roan, set the stage on fire with her performance at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, turning up the heat in UBS Arena (literally).
Chappell Roan Sets VMAs Stage On Fire With Debut Performance
Beginning behind a gate — leaving what looks like a castle — Roan walked out dressed head-to-toe in silver armor while holding a flamethrower. Turning around, the “Pink Pony Club” singer set the castle ablaze using said flamethrower, lighting up the stage with flames to set the perfect backdrop for her performance.
Prior to taking the stage, the 26-year-old told MTV correspondent Nessa on the red carpet that she was nervous for her performance, as they had had some technical difficulties in rehearsals. “I am nervous… there are a lot of technical things going on that I’ve never had happened, but we’ve practiced so many times. I feel like this is the next step in my career, but dang, it feels good to be here [and] I am so excited to be here,” she said at the time, and we can only assume that these technical difficulties had to do with the flamethrower.
Fortunately for Roan, the performance was smooth sailing, as dozens of knights — dressed in similar silver armor as the talented singer-songwriter — joined her onstage as background dancers as she began to sing her pride-packed smash hit, “Good Luck, Babe!”
Performing “Good Luck, Babe!” was a special moment for both Roan and the LGBTQ+ community as a whole, as the tune is so much more than a catchy song of the summer. The lyrics reference compulsory heterosexuality — as the song details a woman trying to deny her romantic feelings for Roan — and the inclusion of such themes in her music, as well as on the VMAs stage, exemplify Roan’s overall authenticity as an artist.
Chappell Roan made a statement on the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards red carpet
Prior to her performance, Roan arrived at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards red carpet in a medieval-inspired ensemble that turned heads at UBS Arena, seemingly teasing the gladiator-inspired performance that was to come later that evening.
It is safe to say the viral superstar slayed her first VMAs look, no pun intended, rocking a regal velvet robe — with gold embroidery along the lining and the collar — over a sheer dress with a plunging neckline. Underneath the layered look, Roan wore thigh-high boots as if she was actually going into battle, ultimately tying the look together with a great deal of 15th-century flair.
The best prop was undoubtedly a real-life sword, however, the 26-year-old’s additional accessories included a long, silver manicure, a cross pendant, chain mail wrist cuffs and more, allowing the pop princess to channel her inner gladiator to kick off the soon-to-be sensational evening.
Of course, Chappell Roan had to bring all of the theatrics with her to the Big Apple as well, arriving at UBS Arena by rolling out her own antique rug atop the red carpet, as well as bringing her own knight to stand side-by-side with as she posed for photos.
Is Chappell Roan nominated at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards?
Roan is not only performing, though, as the “Femininomenon” singer secured four nominations at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards as well.
While she is nominated for Best New Artist, her smash hit “Hot To Go” is up for Best Trending Video, “Good Luck, Babe!” is up for Song of the Summer, and “Red Wine Supernova” is up for MTV PUSH: Performance of the Year, however, whether or not she brings home a coveted “Moon Person” remains to be seen.
2024 MTV Video Music Awards
Hosted by Megan Thee Stallion, the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) aired on Wednesday, September 11 via MTV (8:00-11:00 PM EST).
The star-studded show featured performances by Anitta (feat. Fat Joe, DJ Khaled + Tiago PZK), Benson Boone, Camila Cabello, Chappell Roan, Doechii, Eminem, GloRilla, Halsey, Jessie Murph, KAROL G, Lenny Kravitz (with Quavo), LISA, LL COOL J, Megan Thee Stallion, Rauw Alejandro, Sabrina Carpenter, Shawn Mendes, Teddy Swims and more.
Addison Rae, Alessandra Ambrosio, Amelia Dimoldenberg, Big Sean, Busta Rhymes, Cyndi Lauper, Carson Daly, Damiano David (Måneskin), DJ Khaled, Fat Joe, Flavor Flav, French Montana, Halle Bailey, Jordan Chiles, Lil Nas X, Miranda Lambert, Naomi Scott, Paris Hilton, Sasha Colby, Suki Waterhouse, Thalía and Tinashe appeared to present during the VMAs.
Katy Perry was honored with the night’s most prestigious honor: the Video Vanguard Award.
Additionally, the 2024 VMAs will be available to watch on-demand via Paramount+ on Thursday, September 12.
