Chappell Roan Reflects on Freddie Mercury’s Legacy and the Career-Shaping Moment That Changed Everything
Chappell Roan Reflects on the Life-Changing Moment Inspired by Freddie Mercury’s Iconic Live Aid Performance, Which Helped Shape Her Pop Career and Lead to Grammy Nominations
From Bohemian Rhapsody’s Live Aid Recreation to Grammy Nominations, Chappell Roan’s Journey is Defined by Her Passion for Live Performances and Pop Music Evolution
Chappell Roan, the rising pop sensation known for her vibrant performances and infectious energy, has credited Freddie Mercury’s iconic portrayal in Bohemian Rhapsody with altering the trajectory of her career. In a recent conversation at the Grammy Museum, the Grammy nominee revealed how Rami Malek’s electrifying depiction of Queen’s Live Aid performance in the 2018 biopic inspired her to make the bold switch to pop music, a pivotal moment that shaped the direction of her musical career.
Speaking with renowned songwriter Daniel Nigro and moderated by Brandi Carlile, Roan described the profound impact that the scene of Queen’s 1985 Live Aid performance had on her. “That scene, whenever they’re performing ‘Radio Ga Ga’ and they’re doing that part, [thumping]? That changed my career. It pivoted and I was like, ‘I will do whatever it takes.’”
The moment Roan refers to is one of the most iconic in the film, where Mercury, played by Malek, leads a massive audience in synchronized clapping during Queen’s live performance. The scene not only highlighted the power of live performances but also served as a reminder of how music can unite a crowd in perfect harmony. It was this shared energy and passion that inspired Roan to focus on creating music that would elicit a similar response from her own audience.
Though Roan’s connection to the queerness represented in the movie was not immediately clear to her at the time, she explained how the desire to captivate and energize a crowd fueled her passion. “I just thought to myself, ‘How do I do something that I can look out and have everyone do the same thing like that?'” she reflected. “It was so powerful to just be like, to all do the same movement.”
Roan’s live shows, which are now a staple of her career, are designed to elicit audience interaction, much like the unforgettable moments in Queen’s performances. One of her standout songs, HOT TO GO!, features audience participation akin to The Village People’s “YMCA,” where the crowd spells out the song’s title. Similarly, Femininomenon showcases a call-and-response bridge that engages fans in real-time, something she and Nigro have pushed further as Roan’s career progresses.
Her live performances have become a central element of her artistry, driving the success of her debut album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess. “I genuinely think that’s why this project has just caught on fire this year because it has been my year of performing live, like every festival, at so many tours,” she said. “We’ve done 83 shows this year. It’s no joke.”
Roan’s year of relentless touring and live performances culminated in major recognition, as she received multiple nominations for the 2025 Grammy Awards. Her accolades include Record of the Year for “Good Luck Babe!,” Album of the Year for The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, Best New Artist, Best Pop Solo Performance, and Best Pop Vocal Album.
From drawing inspiration from Queen’s unforgettable performances to developing her own interactive, high-energy live shows, Chappell Roan’s journey has been defined by her unwavering commitment to connecting with her audience. As she continues to grow and evolve as an artist, Roan’s future looks as bright as the unforgettable moments that continue to shape her path in music.
