Chappell Roan shows Nashville why she’s ‘Feminominon’ of the year

Chappell Roan is a phenomenon — or more fittingly, a Feminominon — who has captured many hearts and headlines in 2024. When I got the chance to photograph and review her Nashville show, I jumped at the opportunity! As an artist myself, watching Chappell’s meteoric rise has been nothing short of inspiring. After some recent show cancellations, I was relieved when she followed through with her sold-out performance at First Bank Amphitheater.

Roan’s energy was electric, even though the night had a few hitches…

Traffic getting into the venue was an absolute nightmare; it took me almost two hours to park, meaning I missed the much-anticipated opening drag performances and was even starting to worry I may miss the chance to shoot Chappell. Even by Chappell’s set time, crowds were still pouring into the venue, which resulted in a 45-minute delay as they tried to get all of the fans into the show. But the delay didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits. The crowd — clad in pink and camo — sang and danced along to the pre-show playlist, their faces glowing with glitter and excitement. What really stood out was the fans’ dedication. They embraced Chappell’s aesthetic, each putting their own spin on her looks. It was a perfect example of how music and artistry give people permission to play and express themselves.

When Chappell’s all-female band finally took the stage, the energy was palpable. The first beats of Femininominon hit and the crowd roared as Chappell burst onto the stage, spinning into her hour-long, high-energy performance. Her vocal control and stage presence were exceptional; she kicked, jumped, and belted her heart out. Not a single song passed without the audience singing along at the top of their lungs.

For me, the standout moment was when she stripped things down to just her and the piano for “Kaleidoscope”.

It was a beautiful break from the high-energy set, letting us soak in her raw songwriting and beautiful vocals without any distractions. That moment of intimacy reminded everyone why she’s connected to fans across the world — not just as a performer, but as a songwriter and artist.

I went into the night expecting multiple costume changes and elaborate stage designs, but the show was more straightforward than anticipated. There were no costume changes, minimal props, and the video screen behind the stage was surprisingly underused. While the production was simpler than I imagined, Chappell’s talent was enough to carry the show. She didn’t need the extras, even though I was excited to see them: the music itself was the star and her connection with the crowd was magnetic.

Other highlights for me were “My Kink Is Karma” and “Good Luck Babe”.

She even treated her fans to a brand-new track, “Subway”, which they already knew by heart. Chappell closed the night with “Pink Pony Club” — the song everyone had clearly been waiting for. The crowd erupted, jumping and singing along as if they’d been holding their breath for that moment. It was one of the most joyful, enthusiastic audiences I’ve ever been part of.

All in all, despite the hiccups and the unexpectedly simple staging, Chappell Roan delivered an unforgettable performance. She’s more than just a rising star — she’s a trailblazer with the power to unite and inspire. I can’t wait to see where her career takes her next.

Photography by Derek Jones

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