Chappell Roan is all about audience participation.
While celebrating the anniversary of the publication of her song “Hot to Go!” at the Outside Lands music festival in San Francisco on Sunday, August 11, the pop star, 26, called out a group that refused to perform the backing dance: the VIP section.
After taking a lesson in the “YMCA”-inspired dance that goes along with the song, Roan noticed that the participation in the VIP area was a little underwhelming — and, in her typically bold way, she decided to say something about it.
“It’s so weird that VIPs think they’re too cool to do this!” she told the huge crowd – estimated at 50,000, per San Francisco Chronicle — shows a recording of the live broadcast.
“You’re no fun!” star yelled as the crowd cheered “Be funny and try!”
Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Camila Cabello and more to perform at 2024 MTV Video Music Awards due to date change
Chappell Roan performs at the Outside Lands Music Festival.
Steve Jennings/FilmMagic
Dancing is a major part of Roan’s performance – the crowd always does it during the song’s chorus – but it was especially important for her set in Golden Gate Park as she celebrated the first anniversary of the song, which was released as a single from her debut album The Rise and Fall of a Midwestern Princess August 11, 2023.
The performer’s on-stage ensemble was also a nod to the song: She wore a glittery leotard inspired by the marching band she wore in the song’s official music video.
Speaking about the fan favorite with PEOPLE last year, Roan called the anthem a “cheerleader song” — and revealed the inspiration behind her now-iconic dance.
“I wrote it purely for audience participation, because I love the ‘YMCA’ and I love the ‘Macarena,’ as everyone knows it,” she told PEOPLE with a laugh.
So, while writing the lyrics with songwriter and producer Dan Nigra, she researched classic cheers and found “hot to go,” but added her own twist: “I thought, ‘What if the song is just about being hot?'”
Chappell Roan, Marie Antoinette’s wig slipped during her show, but she played it cool
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Chappell Roan performs at the Outside Lands Music Festival.
Dana Jacobs/WireImage
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Outside Lands wasn’t the first time Roan publicly called out on stage. Earlier this month at another music festival, the star shared an important PSA for the audience, and one potential listener in particular — her ex.
During her Aug. 1 performance at Lollapalooza in Chicago, the singer primed the crowd for her song “My Kink Is Karma” by talking about a former romantic partner.
“I dedicate this song to my ex who bragged about dating me at a bar in my hometown,” Roan said, per recording split into X (formerly Twitter). “This is a message for your fiancée: you should break up!”
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education