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‘This is the last chance any of us are going to have to watch this bitch in a space like this,’ said Crayola, the drag artist who supported Chappell Roan in London last night (September 19). This set the tone for the rest of the evening, as Chappell Roan, who went overnight from niche artist to pop superstar, played to nearly 5,000 people at the O2 Academy in Brixton, bringing the Midwest Princess Tour to London.
Through the night, as we moved between sadgirl belters about situationships, and synthy bangers celebrating sapphic love, the audience swayed between feeling disbelief, lucky, and pure joy. There were glittery costumes, wigs, new songs, dance breaks and heartfelt speeches.
These were some of the best moments at Chappell Roan’s first night in London.
1. Chappell was supported by amazing local drag artists
London-based drag acts Toxiic, Glew and Crayola warmed up the crowd before the popstar came on stage.
2. Fans travelled from all over the country to be there, and they came dressed to the nines
Time Out met people who had travelled five hours by coach from Wales just to see Chappell. Others had come from Liverpool, Norwich and even the USA.
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3. Chappell spoke to the audience in a British accent
‘If you’re nice you might get a new song,’ she said in an endearing faux-London voice.
4. The ‘HOT TO GO!’ dance went hard
5,000 people waved their arms in the air in sync as Chappell belted out the cheerleading chant-inspired tune.
5. Chappell sang ‘Picture You’ to a long blonde wig
In a wonderfully camp moment, the singer crooned into locks of cascading blonde hair.
6. The fans knew every single word
The audience belted every single lyric and aside – they even knew the words to the brand new song ‘The Subway’.
7. Chappell dedicated ‘My Kink Is Karma’ to all our exes
‘Because karma’s a bitch!’
8. The whole night was a proper celebration of queer culture
‘Thank god gay people exist,’ said Chappell during a heartfelt speech. ‘And thank god straight people support them.’
For more gigs, check out Time Out’s guide to the best concerts in London this month.
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