A CULTURAL “FEMININOMENON” | CHAPPELL ROAN BRINGS GLITTERING EXTRAVAGANZA TO EDINBURGH
LIVE REVIEW | CHAPPELL ROAN w/ Jade | EDINBURGH SUMMER SESSIONS, ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOW GROUND | 26th August 2025 by Anne Kelly
Less than a year after Chappell Roan made her Scottish live debut – performing at the 2,500 cap Glasgow O2 Academy – last night the Midwest Princess took on her biggest headline show of her career so far.
The much anticipated concerts come as part of the Edinburgh Summer Sessions at the Royal Highland Showgrounds, abdwill see Chappell perform to over 70,000 Scottish fans over 2 sold out nights. The atmosphere was incredible from the moment we stepped off the bus on Islington Road. The crowd dressed in a sea of glitter, rhinestones, and fabulous “Midwest Princess” inspired outfits, mirrored that electric energy of the Chappell’s renowned “cute aesthetic”.
JADE
Following a warm up from local Drag Queens, we were treated to a dream support performance from former Little Mix star, Jade, who warmed the Edinburgh crowd from the off. Her mix of pop girly charm and sensational vocal delivery left everybody picking their jaw up from the floor, reminding us just how much she still has to offer as a solo star. Ending on her popular hit single ‘Angel’, Jade reaffirmed her position as one of the UK’s most exciting pop acts of the year.
CHAPPELL ROAN
Closing in on 9pm and suddenly the stage went still, glowing in a green tinged light, building the anticipation from the main act herself. A theatrical yet sinister fanfare roared across the stage, channelling Disney Villain energy and straight away you knew you were in for a night like nothing else.
Styled in a chequered ‘Red Queen” corset dress, Chappell Roan radiated main character before finally kicking things off with ‘Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl’. From the girls to the gays, to the queens, the queers and everybody in between, the crowd were bursting with heartfelt enthusiasm. The magic and connection between the fans and the superstar on stage felt genuine, a testament that the Pink Pony Club is more than just the music, it’s a cultural movement that inspires and empowers. Chappell had all 35,000 of us firmly in her cusp.
The setlist was a masterclass in pop performance, drawing heavily from her acclaimed debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess wit hits like ‘Femininonenon’, ‘Casual’ and ‘Hot to Go!’ setting an early prescience of what was to come.
Marking a natural half way point of the night was a sultry rendition of Hearts 1970’s pop masterpiece ‘Barracuda’, which to younger ears would pass easily as an original Chappell offering.
But it wasn’t just about the high-energy bangers. The show expertly navigated the emotional ebb and flow that defines her music.
Chappell addressed her fans, sighing:“It’s really scary place for gay people right now.”
“To be able to dress hyper feminine, or hyper masculine. But when I get on stage I feel like who I am. So thank you for being you.” The crowd roared with approval, the sort of eruption that only comes from people who feel seen, heard and, most importantly, accepted. “I needed this when I was 14” she finishes before seamlessly moving into ‘Kaleidoscope‘.
“People have been complaining about me on Twitter” – Chappell tells her hungry crowd who respond with a collective boo to those naysayers. “What is she holding?” She snidely remarks whilst cradling a small creature by her side, before introducing “This is Shigella. So now you know. She’s 10 million years old and an ancient bacteria, and we’re going to sing ‘Coffee'”.
As expected, some of Chappell’s most popularly adored tracks were saved for the end of the night with ‘Good Luck Babe’, ‘Kink Is Karma’ and ‘California’ played in quick sentimental succession. Whilst the night was at an all time high with fans dancing, singing and embracing each other in pure ecstacy, the moment was weighted with a bittersweet tinge of sadness that the show would soon be over. Ringing out with ‘Pink Pony Club’, the overwhelming warmth of belonging continued far beyond the echo of the stage.
The“Pink Pony Club” felt less like a fan base and more like a family, celebrating queer joy and self-expression together. For a city like Edinburgh which is known for its vibrant arts scene, Chappell Roan’s performance was a perfect fit, blending theatricality, raw talent, and a powerful message of authenticity.
A career defining performance which proved Chappell Roan is far more than just a pop star. She is a cultural “femininomenon” and her biggest headline show yet at the Royal Highland Showgrounds will go down as a landmark moment for Edinburgh too.
