In a world that needs a ‘femininomenon,’ Chappell Roan delivered it with every note and every beat.

Chappell Roan, an emerging force in the pop music scene, recently set the stage ablaze at the 2024 Kentuckiana Pride Festival in Louisville, Kentucky.

Roan wowed 45,000 attendees with a powerful performance, energizing and inspiring the crowd. Her set was a standout moment for both the festival and her rising career, highlighting the importance of LGBTQ+ visibility in a region where acceptance is still growing.

Roan, born Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, has been steadily gaining attention for her bold and unique sound, blending pop with indie and electronic music elements. Her performance at Kentuckiana Pride was a testament to her growing popularity and ability to connect with diverse audiences. 

Originally from Willard, Missouri, Roan’s journey began with the release of her debut EP, “School Nights.” She quickly became known for her unapologetically bold lyrics. “Pink Pony Club,” her breakout single, cemented her position in the pop landscape, captivating a growing fanbase with her genuine exploration of identity and self-expression. Since then, she has steadily gained a following, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. Roan has carved out a unique space in the industry, where her vibrant personality continues to captivate audiences. As her career continues to ascend, Roan is poised to become one of the defining voices of her generation.

“When ‘Pink Pony Club’ first came out, my friend had found it, and she told me, ‘Audrey, I think you would like this.’ So I listened to that song, and I liked it, but I didn’t listen to anything else,” said Audrey Stepp, who traveled from Mount Washington to attend the festival. “And then she started getting a little more popular on social media. And I am really into drag makeup and androgyny and all that kind of stuff in general.”

Much like her music, her style defies conventional norms, making her a fitting icon for a Pride event. The energy in the crowd was palpable as she opened her set with “‘Femininomenon,” one of the early hits that put her on the radar of pop enthusiasts.

“She started resurfacing again, and I listened to all of Midwest Princess, and I was like, ‘oh my god, this is so good,’” Stepp said.

Roan’s setlist was a mix of her most popular tracks, including “Pink Pony Club,” “Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl,” “Naked in Manhattan,” one of her older songs from 2020, “Love Me Anyway” and her unreleased song “The Subway.” Each song was met with cheers and sing-alongs from the audience, many of whom were dedicated fans. Roan’s vocals were powerful and expressive, carrying the weight of her lyrics, often exploring themes of identity, love, and self-acceptance.

“She was super energetic and her stage performance was amazing,” said Addison Stoll, a sophomore. “The atmosphere was super vibrant and overall fun to be at.”

Roan’s openness about her sexuality has made her a powerful figure in both the music industry and the LGBTQ+ community, especially in a place like Kentucky, where acceptance and visibility can still be a struggle. As a queer artist, Roan’s unapologetic expression of her identity is not only a source of inspiration for her fans but also a bold statement in a region known for its more conservative values. Her presence underscores the importance of representation and the impact of seeing someone live their truth in a space where such openness isn’t always embraced.

“She’s openly out, and she does a lot of like, out there lyrics and just the things she says; she’s very confident in her sexuality, and that is so inspiring,” Stepp said.

Roan’s appearance at Kentuckiana Pride will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the highlights of the 2024 festival and a significant moment in her rising career. With her star continuing to ascend, there’s no doubt that Roan will remain a powerful voice in both the music industry and the LGBTQ+ community for years to come.