May 23, 2024 - News

Pop star Chappell Roan is bringing out local drag queens for sold-out Richmond show

Sabrina Moreno

Chappell Roan onstage singing into a mic she's holding. She has long curly red hair and the backgrou — Chappell Roan performing at Coachella in April. Photo: Dania Maxwell /Los Angeles Times/Getty Images

Her concerts are known as "The Church of Chappell Roan," where fans come to worship. She's one of the biggest rising pop stars in the U.S., and resale tickets to her sold-out Richmond show are going for as high as nearly $1,800.

Why it matters: Roan pays homage to drag culture with every concert by booking local drag queens as her openers — and we know the ones she's bringing onstage Thursday at Brown's Island.

Her team told Axios that the following Virginia-based performers will open the show:

Amber Saint Lexington (Richmond).
Crimsyn (Leesburg).
Sweet Pickles (Richmond).

What they're saying: "Local queer communities need the spotlight on them," Roan told Boulder Weekly last month. "I think that's important for everyone to see."

Catch up quick: The 26-year-old recently blew up on TikTok, opened for Olivia Rodrigo on tour and had Elton John call her "incredible."

People have streamed her newest single "Good Luck, Babe!" over 106 million times on Spotify — that's more streams than most songs on Beyoncé's latest album.
And when you Google her name, the search engine sends back, "Did you mean: Your favorite artist's favorite artist?"

Plus, so many people wanted to see Roan's show that the venue was moved from The National to Brown's Island.

What's next: Godfrey's is having a Chappell Roan after party from 9pm-2am with drag queens. $10 or $7 with proof of concert ticket.

Go deeper: Chappell Roan fans climbed on a trash compactor to see sold-out St. Pete show.

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Pop star Chappell Roan is bringing out local drag queens for sold-out Richmond show

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