Chappell Roan's iconic ascension to stardom continues to unfold, and the latest entry winning her crowd points is not a song but her announcing that she turned down the White House's invitation to perform during its pride event in between songs at the 2024 Governors Ball Music Festival.
On June 9, 2024, Chappell Roan took to the stage at Gov Ball, emerging from a half-eaten apple in full Statue of Liberty drag as an homage to NYC. To kick off her 10-track setlist, the singer performed "Femininomenon," "Naked in Manhattan," "Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl," and "HOT TO GO!"
Before a quick outfit change that transformed her into a NYC yellow cab, Roan addressed the inspiration behind the initial wardrobe, saying, "I am in drag of the biggest queen of all, but in case you had forgotten what's etched on my pretty little toes, 'Give me your tired, your poor; your huddled masses yearning to breath free. That means freedom and trans rights," Roan recited, making the crowd cheer.
"That means freedom and women's rights, and it especially means freedom for all oppressed people in occupied territories," she continued.
X content
After the speech, Roan continued her setlist, performing a still unreleased track called “Subway” that she's been teasing for a while on social media, even changing her profile picture to feature the logo of the popular sandwich franchise of the same name, as well as her April single “Good Luck, Babe!”, among others.
Instagram content
Towards the end of her set, during the spoken intro of crowd favorite "My Kink Is Karma," Roan took the chance to give yet another speech, this time revealing she had turned down an invitation from the White House to perform at an event celebrating Pride. (ICYMI, which, if you are here, we doubt it, June is Pride Month.)
X content
"In response to the White House, who asked me to perform for Pride, we want liberty, justice, and freedom for all," Roan said, looking directly into a camera. "When you do that, that's when I'll come." Lady Liberty has spoken.
