Chappell Roan Headlines Reading Leeds Festivals With Breakthrough Performance

Chappell Roan made a significant breakthrough in 2025 with her headlining performances at Reading and Leeds Festivals, marking her as one of the few artists to headline such major events with only one album. Her shows are noted for their theatrical, campy, and queer-culture-inspired themes, with elaborate stage setups like a turquoise castle and dramatic costumes reminiscent of drag and dark fairytales. Roan's music blends '80s synth-pop and early 2000s pop, with hits such as 'Good Luck Babe!' and the record-breaking single 'The Subway,' which debuted at No. 1 on Spotify's Global Top 200 and reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, received critical acclaim and a Grammy nomination, fueled by viral success on platforms like TikTok. At the festivals, her sets combined powerful dance-pop anthems and emotional ballads, creating a communal and celebratory atmosphere among tens of thousands of fans. Roan's rapid rise and dynamic performances signal her long-term presence as a major pop headliner in the music scene.