Chappell Roan took the stage to perform her hit single "Pink Pony Club" at the 2025 Grammy Awards, marking her first appearance at the prestigious ceremony. The vibrant performance, held on February 2, 2025, at the Crypto.com Arena, showcased her unique artistry and energetic vibe as she danced amid rodeo clowns and sang atop a giant pink pony.
Roan was greeted on stage by none other than Olivia Rodrigo, who introduced the rising star and shared her personal connection to Roan. Rodrigo mentioned knowing Roan since her early days working at a donut shop, celebrating her friend's remarkable rise to fame since then.
"Chappell Roan has made waves with her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, which includes the track "Pink Pony Club," originally released back in 2020. This year, Roan made headlines with six Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year and Best New Artist," said Rodrigo, who stood by with pride as Roan took the stage. The audience buzzed with anticipation as Roan, dressed to impress with her bedazzled cowboy boots and fringed outfits, began her performance.
Roan's act was nothing short of electric. The colorful stage, reminiscent of her whimsical personality, featured her clad in rhinestone-adorned outfits, dancing passionately alongside her army of rodeo clowns. "Pink Pony Club" transformed the audience's ambiance, with celebrities such as Janelle Monáe and Chase Stokes visibly enjoying the performance.
Setting the scene even more, Roan sat majestically on her giant pink pony, delighting her fans and setting the mood for her signature blend of humor and heart. The singer's expressive stage presence and soaring vocals captivated everyone present, exemplified by the joy radiated from those who sang along with her.
"This performance is my love letter to Los Angeles," Roan expressed before the ceremony. She emphasized how L.A. empowered her to embrace her true self, proving pivotal as she navigated her burgeoning career. The emotions Roan conveyed throughout her performance touched hearts and reflected her path through the music industry.
Indeed, the evening was not solely about her performance. The audience's encouragement showcased the shared appreciation for Roan's artistry. Halfway through the song, Roan engagingly paused her vocals, allowing the crowd to sing back to her—creating the perfect harmony of artist and audience—further eleviting the atmosphere amid roaring cheers.
Though she only debuted on the Grammy stage, Roan is no stranger to impactful performances. Just last year, she wowed viewers with her Joan of Arc-themed performance of "Good Luck, Babe!" at the MTV Video Music Awards. The viral rise of her artistry culminated from past hard work, resilience, and fan support, showing the power of persistence and determination.
Reflecting upon her year, Roan expressed, "What’s infuriatin' is how people are just now taking me seriously… I’ve been doing this shit, and you’re just now catching up." This quote encapsulates the singer's tangled relationship with fame—grateful yet eager for recognition.
Her album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, released to great acclaim, donned the Billboard 200 peaking at number two nearly a year after its debut. The collection of songs has garnered considerable attention, proving the success of her previous singles such as "Good Luck, Babe." Notably, “Pink Pony Club” became a staple of her identity, climbing the charts and earning accolades throughout 2024.
Roan's Grammy performance was festive, serving as the perfect capstone to her successful year, which has seen her evolve from obscurity to Grammy nominee. She communicated the importance of her roots and dedication to her fans, especially those within the queer community. Prior to her performance, she shared heartfelt sentiments detailing her gratitude. "Hey girls, I just woke up. Good morning, booboos. It’s Grammy week. I am very emo... I hope you can understand this has been incredible and scary yet also confusing," she penned on social media.
Roan also recognized her LGBTQ+ fans, saying, "When I’m up on stage, all I’m really feeling is love for the queer community, especially those in places where it is unsafe to be yourself. I see you." Her words resonate with many, and highlight her role as an artist championing inclusivity—a message felt strongly during her performance.
Chappell Roan's spectacular debut performance at the Grammys stands as not only a personal achievement but also as a beautiful representation of her story and mission as an artist. Celebrated by fans and peers alike, Roan's captivating talent shone brightly on one of music's biggest nights. Her story is just beginning, setting an exhilarating precedent for the remarkable endeavors awaiting her and the music community as she continues her climb toward stardom.