Chappell Roan won the Best New Artist award at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) last night, dedicating her achievement to the LGBTQ+ community in her acceptance speech. Overcome with emotion, Roan expressed her gratitude during the speech, saying: “I dedicate this award to all the drag artists who inspire me, and to the queer and trans people who fuel pop music. This is for the gays who dedicate my songs to someone they love or hate.”
The artist also extended her appreciation to fans, saying: “Thank you to the people who listen to me, who hear me when I share my joy and my fears.” Roan’s speech was not just a moment of celebration, but also a personal reflection of her commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and her artistic style.
“For all the queer kids in the midwest watching right now: I see you, I understand you, because I’m one of you. And don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t be exactly who you wanna be, bitch.”
— Chappell Roan accepting Best New Artist at the VMAs. ✨ pic.twitter.com/73CUECyJXS
— best of chappell roan (@bestofchappell) September 12, 2024
The Midwest Princess rose to fame with her 2023 debut album, which had a slow rise to number one in the UK chart, before becoming a queer sensation later in the year. In recent months, Roan has been open about the emotional boundaries she sets with her audience.
She has spoken out about the intense attention she’s received and the struggles that have come alongside this, revealing in an Instagram post that it has left her feeling “scared and tired” at times. Despite this, Roan’s speech at the VMAs reinforced her dedication to her art and the community that inspires her.
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Sasha Colby, a popular drag performer, introduced Roan on stage at the VMAs with pride: “You’ve all watched her rise. The Midwest princess is in the house. Your favorite drag queen’s favorite artist – here’s my daughter, Chappell Roan!”
Roan’s subsequent performance of ‘Good Luck, Babe!’ was a camp visual spectacle, incorporating medieval imagery, shining armour, burning crosses, and a powerful Joan of Arc theme. This dramatic set came just hours after Drag Race alum Plane Jane appeared on the red carpet, wearing an outfit inspired by Roan’s iconic ‘Pink Pony Club’ aesthetic.
Through her performance and speech at the VMAs, Chappell Roan not only showcased her artistic vision but also paid homage to the queer community who supports her.
© 2024 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.
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