Although it was her debut at the MTV Video Music Awards, Chappell Roan‘s appearance at the Wednesday night ceremony was also a well-earned victory lap. The pop queen, who skyrocketed to fame over the past year with the release of her album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, took the stage to perform her hit “Good Luck, Babe!”
The “Femininomenon” hitmaker brought her signature theatrical flare to the performance, literally setting the stage on fire with a flaming arrow and rocking chainmail for a medieval-inspired set.
Roan was introduced by drag icon Sasha Colby, who Roan has called her favorite drag queen.
“Me saying I’m your favorite artist’s favorite artist at Coachella was a nod to [Colby], how much I admire her, and how much drag is intertwined with my project,” Roan wrote on Instagram earlier this year.
Shortly after her performance, Roan was named Best New Artist. During her acceptance speech, she read from her diary, honoring the drag artists and LGBTQ+ folks who inspire her.
“I dedicate this to all the drag artists who inspire me and queer and trans people,” Roan said. “To the gays who dedicate my songs to someone they love or hate and thank you to the people who are fans who listen to me and hear me when I share my joy or my fears.”
Roan, who is from a suburb of Springfield, Mo., also used her speech to speak directly to “queer kids in the midwest.”
“Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t be exactly who you wanna be, b****,” the “HOT TO GO” singer said.
Roan was nominated for Best New Artist alongside Benson Boone, Gracie Abrams, Shaboozey, Teddy Swims and Tyla.
