Chappell Roan surprised fans when she traded her “Pink Pony Club” neon for denim and boots on Saturday Night Live this week. The up-and-coming pop star brought a brand new country song, “The Giver,” to the stage, showcasing a unexpected yet electrifying musical shift.
A Country Twist for “The Giver”
Roan’s original country-infused performance surprised viewers, with a catchy chorus proclaiming, “only a woman knows how to treat a woman right”. This theme echoes her debut single “Femininomenon,” where she boldly proclaims the complexities of female satisfaction.
“All you country boys sayin’ you know how to treat a woman right,” Roan sang during a spoken word break in “The Giver” — “Well, only a woman knows how to treat a woman right. She gets the job done.”
The stage was transformed as well. Roan, still sporting her signature red wig, reappeared alongside all-female band and backing vocalists decked out in classic country attire. She rocked a flirty gingham halter top, short shorts, and boots, channeling a playful “Dukes of Hazzard” vibe.
Accompanied by a fiddle-powered band, “The Giver” blasted with a confident energy and playfully risque lyrics. Cartoon characters popped up on screen, adding a whimsical touch to the performance.
Although fans were initially guessing the title was “She Gets the Job Done,” NBC revealed the true title to be “The Giver” in a social media post after the show.
An Evolution of Sound
During a recent New York Times interview, Roan’s producer/co-writer Dan Nigro hinted at a country influence. He explained that they’ve recorded five tracks so far for her upcoming sophomore album, with one being a “fun, up-tempo country song” featuring a fiddle and representing a “new version of Chappell.”
Early in the evening, Roan performed her popular “Pink Pony Club,” letting the studio audience sing the chorus along. Her self-proclaimed triumph culminated in her unexpectedly shouting “‘Live from New York!'” echoing the show’s iconic tagline. This spontaneous moment was a testament to her energetic performance and the raucous response from the crowd.
It seems that this country-inspired performance is part of a journey for Roan. The pop star shared an old Facebook post from 2011, under her birth name Kayleigh Amstutz, boldly proclaiming, “I am determined to be on SNL.”
A Wave of Country Influence in Pop Music
Roan’s experiment with country isn’t entirely unique.
Other pop stars like Beyonce, Post Malone, and Lana Del Rey have all explored the genre lately. “The Giver” joins the ranks of other lesbian country anthems, such as the Highwomen’s “If She Ever Leaves Me,” paving the way for a new wave of LGBTQ+ country music.
With a new album on the horizon and a successful foray into country music,
we can expect big things from Chappell Roan. Will a Grand Ole Opry performance be next for the rising star? Only time will tell.
Want to see what else Chappell Roan has coming up? Stay tuned to our website for the latest updates on her music and career milestones!