Venue:

3Olympia Theatre, Dublin

Tour:

Naked in North America Tour

Chappell Roan is a name that might not yet be a household staple, but it won’t stay that way for long. The breakout U.S. pop star delivered a dazzling performance at the 3Olympia Theatre in Dublin, one of the last small-venue stops on her “Naked in North America” tour. The show was nothing short of a super graphic, ultra-modern spectacle, packed with witty queer energy, pulsating pop beats, and moments of pure emotional intensity. If this is the last time she performs in intimate venues, it’s because her star is undeniably on the rise.

A Dazzling Entrance: Queer Showbiz Energy from the Start

Chappell Roan’s arrival on stage was nothing short of theatrical, instantly setting the tone for a night of high-energy, visually stimulating performance art. Dressed in a flashy, glittering ensemble that was both glamorous and provocatively bold, she strutted onto the stage as though she owned it—because in that moment, she did. Roan’s aesthetic is unapologetically queer, her style is sharp, and her showmanship is something that feels like a nod to the best traditions of pop’s greatest icons while adding her own distinctly modern twist.

The atmosphere in the venue buzzed with excitement, largely thanks to Roan’s devoted fanbase, many of whom were clad in extravagant outfits themselves, signaling that this was more than just a concert—it was an experience, a celebration of individuality, queerness, and uninhibited joy. The intimate venue felt like the perfect setting for this type of performance, where the lines between audience and performer blurred into a shared space of electrifying connection.

Pulsating Pop Anthems and Playful Performance Art

Musically, Chappell Roan’s set was a masterclass in combining infectious pop hooks with layers of deeper meaning. Her songs, many of which are self-written, blend catchy choruses with playful, ironic lyrics that reflect her sharp wit and keen understanding of contemporary pop culture. The show kicked off with her hit single Casual, a bouncy, flirtatious anthem that immediately had the crowd dancing and singing along. With its carefree energy and undeniable pop appeal, Casual is emblematic of Roan’s ability to craft tunes that stick in your head long after the show is over.

But it’s not just the music that makes Chappell Roan stand out—it’s the way she performs it. Each song is presented as a mini-theatrical production, with Roan fully embodying the playful, sultry, or emotionally raw persona required for the moment. She moves seamlessly between vibrant dance numbers, complete with backup dancers and choreographed routines, and more intimate, vulnerable moments that showcase her versatility as a performer. Her stage presence is magnetic, exuding confidence and authenticity.

Roan also leaned heavily into the visual aspects of her performance. The show’s graphics, lighting, and costume changes were all meticulously designed to create a vivid, immersive experience. With ultra-modern, graphic design elements flashing on LED screens behind her, the entire production felt like a cutting-edge fusion of pop concert and performance art, a visual feast that enhanced the emotional intensity of the music. At times, the show felt like a celebration of everything that makes modern pop culture so vibrant: bright, bold, and full of attitude.

Embracing Queerness: A Celebration of Identity and Inclusivity

Chappell Roan is not just a pop star—she’s an icon of queer empowerment. Throughout the show, she made no attempt to hide or downplay her identity, instead fully embracing her role as a voice for the LGBTQ+ community. Her songs and stage banter were filled with references to queer love, relationships, and self-acceptance, creating an inclusive space where everyone in the audience could feel seen and celebrated.

One of the highlights of the night was Roan’s performance of “Pink Pony Club”, a song that has become something of an anthem for her queer fans. With its themes of escapism, self-discovery, and the desire to break free from societal expectations, “Pink Pony Club” resonated deeply with the crowd, who sang every word back to her in what felt like a shared moment of triumph. Roan’s joy at this response was palpable—she smiled brightly, clearly moved by the love and connection she felt with her audience.

Throughout the set, Roan’s cheeky sense of humor also shone through. Her between-song banter was witty and self-aware, peppered with references to pop culture, queer slang, and jokes about the highs and lows of modern dating. She connected with the crowd on a personal level, making the concert feel less like a performance and more like a celebration of community. It’s this mix of vulnerability, humor, and authenticity that makes Roan so relatable, and why her fans are so fiercely devoted to her.

A Torch Song to Remember: A Moment of Raw Emotion

While the night was filled with high-energy pop bangers, Chappell Roan showed another side of her artistry during a powerful torch song that marked the emotional climax of the show. Stripped of the dazzling lights and choreography, she stood alone on stage with just a piano, delivering a raw, heart-wrenching ballad that showcased her vocal prowess and emotional depth. Her voice, powerful yet tender, filled the room as she sang about heartbreak, vulnerability, and the complexities of love.

This quieter, more introspective moment provided a stark contrast to the rest of the show’s upbeat energy, proving that Roan is not just a one-note performer. She has the ability to draw her audience in with her charisma and boldness, but also to bring them to tears with her sincerity and emotional honesty. It was a reminder that beneath the glitter and glam, Roan is an artist with something important to say—about love, pain, and the human experience.

A Star on the Rise: What’s Next for Chappell Roan?

As Chappell Roan’s set came to a close with a triumphant encore, it was clear to everyone in the room that they had just witnessed the rise of a new kind of pop star. Roan’s ability to blend infectious pop music with cutting-edge visuals, humor, and emotional sincerity sets her apart from the current crop of pop artists. She’s not afraid to push boundaries, both musically and thematically, and her willingness to fully embrace her queerness and individuality makes her a powerful voice in an industry that often prizes conformity over authenticity.

With her tour set to expand into larger venues in the near future, it seems likely that Chappell Roan will soon be a name known well beyond her devoted fanbase. Her combination of showbiz flair, modern pop sensibility, and a deep connection to her fans gives her all the tools she needs to become a lasting force in the pop world. What makes her rise even more exciting is that she’s doing it entirely on her own terms, breaking free from the constraints of traditional pop stardom to create something truly unique.

For those who were lucky enough to catch her in smaller venues like the 3Olympia Theatre, there’s a sense that they’ve witnessed something special—a moment in time before Chappell Roan’s star truly explodes into the stratosphere. As she continues to grow and evolve as an artist, it’s clear that she’s just getting started. In a world that often feels chaotic and disconnected, Chappell Roan’s music and performances are a reminder of the power of connection, celebration, and self-expression.

Chappell Roan’s show at the 3Olympia Theatre was a thrilling, emotional, and visually stunning performance that showcased her immense talent and limitless potential. Whether she’s delivering pulsating pop anthems or heart-wrenching ballads, Roan proves that she is a force to be reckoned with—a super graphic, ultra-modern showbiz star who is ready to take the world by storm.

No comments yet.