Rising pop star Chappell Roan is set to take the stage at Elton John’s 2024 Oscars Watch Party, marking a significant milestone in her career following her debut album success.
Chappell Roan, the rising pop star whose debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, made waves in 2023, is poised to take centre stage at Elton John’s annual AIDS Foundation Oscars Watch Party on March 2, 2024. The event, held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles and hosted by Conan O’Brien, will feature Roan as its main performer, signalling a significant milestone in her burgeoning career.
Roan’s ascent in the music industry has been meteoric, with her latest single, “Casual,” sparking considerable acclaim and leading to six nominations at the upcoming Grammy Awards. She is in contention for prestigious categories such as Best New Artist, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year for her track “Good Luck, Babe!” This recognition places her among the top emerging talents in the contemporary pop scene.
Elton John, a long-time advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and the event’s host since 1993, expressed his enthusiasm for Roan’s involvement in this year’s gala. “David and I are thrilled to gather with friends and supporters once again,” John stated, recognising Roan’s artistry as “bold and authentic.” He continued to highlight the significance of the event, which last year successfully raised $10.8 million for AIDS research, aiming for an even greater sum in 2024.
Roan, now 26, has developed a close friendship with John, who has provided mentorship during her journey to fame. “I just try and calm her down and say, ‘Listen, it’s fine. It’s fine. Do what you want. Don’t listen to anybody,’” John remarked while reflecting on their relationship. He advised Roan to take her career at her own pace, resisting pressure from the industry.
Expressing her excitement about performing at the Oscars watch party, Roan described herself as “absolutely glowing,” acknowledging John and his husband, David Furnish, as “incredible guiding lights” in her career. Her commitment to supporting the queer community shines through her words, as she stated, “I’m deeply passionate about supporting the queer community in every way I can.” Roan looks forward to delivering a performance that reflects her vibrant identity, promising an “unabashedly ☆gay☆ performance to such an iconic night.”
As anticipation builds for the 97th Academy Awards and the accompanying gala, Chappell Roan’s involvement heralds a celebration of not just artistic achievement, but also queer representation within the wider cultural landscape of London and beyond. The event solidifies her status as a vital voice in contemporary music and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
Source: Noah Wire Services
Image Chappell Roan: Shutterstock, L Paul Mann.